The Philippine Online Chronicles

It has been two months since the brutal elections-related slaying of 53 people in Ampatuan, Maguindanao. While the trial against primary suspect Andal Ampatuan Jr. continues, the VERA Files reports that family members of nine of the victims as well as one missing newsman have gone to talk about their experiences in a group therapy session facilitated by a prominent psychiatrist at a Quezon City hospital.

The gathering of seven wives, one mother and one daughter of those who were killed was an opportunity for them to speak freely about their feelings over the incident.

For Glenna Legarta, wife of Frontiera (or Pronterra) Balita journalist Bienvenido (other sources: Bienvendio) “Jun" Legarta, the group session was the first chance she has had to express grief over her husband’s sudden death.

“I still can’t accept Jun’s death because he didn’t tell me he was going to Buluan,” she said in Filipino. “He said ‘after this, I’ll look for a different job.’ And then he didn’t come back. They didn’t have mercy on my husband.”

On the other hand, Juliet Evardo, mother of UNTV cameraman Julito Evardo, said that she had come to accept that her son is dead. “What I can’t accept, though, is the manner of his death,” she said.

The psychiatrist who has refused to be named told the group that they “only need time to let the experience sink in.” She added that feelings of rage over the killings were normal.

According to the victims’ lawyers, the therapy sessions allow them to become aware of common fears and anxieties.

“Prosecuting the case on behalf of the heirs of those killed in the massacre is not merely a legal task, but a delicate one involving heavily traumatized persons," they said. “Part of delivering justice is the active involvement of the victims and the community supporting them, using a ‘victim-centered’ focus that puts to fore their personal and social healing."

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