Widows of slain journalists oppose Cayton's promotion

MANILA, Philippines - The widows of 10 journalists slain in the Maguindanao massacre opposed yesterday Maj. Gen. Alfredo Cayton’s promotion as Army vice-commander before the Commission on Appointments (CA).

Led by the wife of Manila Bulletin correspondent Bong Reblando, the widows said Cayton should not be promoted because he failed to act on a request for security for the journalists last Nov. 23.

Myrna Reblando, Juliet Ebardo, Monette Salaysay and Catherine Nuñez went to the CA to formalize their opposition.

The others are the widows of Joel Parcon, McDelbert Arriola, Bienvenido Legarta, Lindo Lupogan, Robert Momamy and Daniel Tuazon.

The CA will tackle a verified opposition against a presidential appointee once the CA conducts hearings on the integrity of the person.

Unless all matters are cleared, the CA will not act positively on the confirmation of an appointee.

Cayton commanded the 6th Infantry Brigade based in Maguindanao at the time of the massacre.

Among the journalists confirmed killed in the massacre were Reblando, Ian Subang of Dadiangas Times, Marites Cablitas and Gina de la Cruz of Today, Leah Dalmacio of Forum, Neneng Montaño formerly of RGMA and Saksi, Henry Araneta of dzRH, Bombo Radyo Koronadal chief reporter Bart Maravilla, Victor Nuñez of UNTV, and his cameraman identified only as Macmac, Joy Duhay, Romy Perante, Andy Teodoro and Jimmy Cabillo. — Christina Mendez