The fight for justice for media men killed in Maguindanao massacre is not yet over and such may be done in myriad of ways, such as a protest concert and by helping the bereaved families of the victims.

Veteran TV broadcaster Daniel Razon, who conceptualized the Protest Broadcast concert series, believes the cause of this advocacy — in paying tribute to media practitioners who lost their lives performing their works as journalists and watchdogs of society — will continue so long as there is a need to help.

This year’s Test Broadcast, retitled Protest Broadcast 3, aims to pay tribute to the 30 journalists and two media men murdered in Maguindanao last November 23, 2009, which is now considered the most brutal and gruesome assault to press freedom. Among the 30 journalists and two media men killed, four were editorial staff of television network UNTV.

The first leg of the concert series at the Araneta Center in Quezon City last May 17 was attended to by an estimated 20,000 people. Top Filipino artists lend their voices in kindling nationalism and fight for justice, following the dramatization of the final hours before mass number of people were killed in Maguindanao.

Among these performers include Joey Ayala, Gary Granda, Noel Cabangon and Lolita Carbon of Asin. Together, they were joined by fellow musicians Heber Bartolome, Color it Red vocalist Cookie Chua, folk singer Bayang Barrios, Pinoy rock singer Mike Hanopol, former vocalist of Orange and Lemons Mcoy and son of the lyricist of Isang Araw Lang, CJ Melecio.

The concert will tour Cebu on May 23 and in Davao on May 30. The youth advocacy group Bible Readers (BRead) Society International was main organizer, with partners Isang Araw Lang advocacy group, UNTV and Breakthrough and Milestones Productions International (BMPI).

Editha Tiamzon wife of departed Daniel Tiamzon, a UNTV 37 staff and Juliet Evardo, mother of Julito Evardo were present to receive the scholarship grant by Manila Business College and Manila Times School of Journalism.

“The organizers wants transparency,” said Razon as he explained why they are giving proceeds from the concerts directly to the bereaved families in person. Other beneficiaries of the event who are based on the southern part of the country will be recognized in the upcoming Protest Broadcast series on May 23 and 30.

Apart from Razon’s ardent support to the bereaved families of the slain media men, he informed journalists during a press briefing before the concert that medical missions are being held for fellow journalists every first week of the month.

“The message that we would like to send before our fellow media men is that no matter where you came from, what media stations you came from, we are doing these medical missions for everybody,” elaborated Razon.

Recognizing the tons of works that still need to be done by the members of the media which are overlooked sometimes, Razon explained why it is relevant that fellow media workers are assured that there are people who will stand as one with them in standing for the truths.

He added that UNTV is open anytime to render assistance to fellow media men and journalists. “If you need any assistance just call us even you belong from other stations … and, we are striving really hard to maintain these commitments, including the use of our ambulance”

Also at the night of the concert in Araneta, various organizations were given a certificate of appreciation for their unprecedented support to the families of victims. They are: Kapinsanan ng mga Broadcaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), and The Federation of Philippine Industries Inc. (FPII), National Press Club (NPC), Alyansa ng mga Filipinong Mamamahayag (AFIMA), and the Center for Media and Freedom Responsibility (CMFR).

FPII announced during the event that they have received a sum of 50-million pesos from donors to cover for education and livelihood program of the families of victims.  They are alloting or donating one million pesos to add to the proceeds of the Protest Broadcast concert for the benefit of the families of the victims.

Razon acknowledges the presence of Ang Dating Daan members who are among the top supporters of this big cause. The Ang Dating Daan or Members Church of God International (MCGI) is presided by phenomenal international preacher Bro. Eli Soriano, who is the program host of the award-winning Ang Dating Daan.

Capping the night in hopeful note, all the performers at the night’s concert joined hands in singing the inspirational song, Isang Araw Lang.

Written by Chris Anne Gonzales