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Release
June 19, 2008
Friends, kin mark death of 2 journalists in South
BY MALU CADELINA MANAR
KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines – Justice remains elusive for slain media couple George and Macel Vigo, said Italian priest Peter Geremiah who served as Vigos' marriage counselor and spiritual adviser when they were still alive.
This observation was aired Thursday in this city where friends and relatives of the slain couple gathered for a candle-lighting ceremony to mark the second death anniversary of the Vigos.
During the rites, those who attended tried to light the candles but strong winds blew them out.
"It's symbolic. The candles have not been lighted because of strong winds. It's like our quest for justice. Until today, we're going nowhere. The strong winds are like those that hold the power who would not want us to attain justice for George and Macel," said Ruby Padilla-Sison, chair of the militant Gabriela party-list in North Cotabato.
On June 19, 2006, George and Macel were on their way home to Sandawa Homes in Singao village here on board a Honda Dream motorcycle when they were attacked by four motorcycle-riding onboard two separate motorcycles.
George Vigo was killed first, followed by Macel.
Geremiah said that justice has never been served for the couple, who aside from being part-time broadcast journalists, were also active in community organizing and peace building efforts in this part of the region.
"The results of the investigations made by the Melo Commission and the UN Special Rapporteur were just put to waste because the main culprits in the killing remain free," Sison said.
Sison, also a former broadcast journalist, is among the couple's best friends.
Sison said that the investigations conducted by independent bodies like the Melo Commission pointed to some 'powers-that-be' as behind the killing of the Vigo couple, "yet, we have not seen the wheels of justice rolling or even moving," she said. - GMANews.TV