An interview Atty. Buboy Mendoza on the Long Fight for Justice After the 2019 Attack on Jesuit Volunteers
A regional trial court recently handed down a guilty verdict in all three criminal cases filed in connection with the 2019 stabbing attack on members of the Jesuit Volunteers Philippines (JVP) in Bukidnon. The verdict comes nearly six years after the horrific incident, which claimed the life of Genifer Buckly, a 24-year-old volunteer teacher, and injured fellow volunteer Atty. Ann Kathleen Gatdula and a student named Janah.
Attorney Buboy Mendoza, who has represented the victims and JVP pro bono since the beginning, has been at the heart of this long and painful legal battle. His tireless efforts, from traveling between Cagayan de Oro and Malaybalay for court hearings to building a solid case in coordination with witnesses—have been described by many in the JVP community as nothing short of heroic.
In this conversation, Attorney Mendoza shared with Madonna Virola, our RVA Correspondent, the details of the six-year legal battle, including the history of the case, his emotions and reflections upon hearing the guilty verdict, his deep personal connection to JVP and how it shaped his commitment to justice, the current legal status of the case and what lies ahead in the appeals process, and the ongoing journey of the victims’ families in seeking healing and hope.
How did you feel when the trial court handed down the guilty verdicts in the three criminal cases connected to the 2019 attack on JVP volunteers?
I had mixed emotions when the guilty verdicts were promulgated in the three cases. At first instance, I felt happy that we got the guilty verdicts. Somehow, we were able to get justice and partial healing for the victims. But on the other hand, I was also dissatisfied because the guilty verdicts we got were for criminal offenses that were one degree lower than what was charged. This meant that the accused would be sentenced with imprisonments that are shorter (in number of years) than what we wanted. And considering the harrowing experience that the victims went through, somehow I feel that the accused should have been meted out longer terms of imprisonment.
What does this milestone mean for you personally and for the families involved?
It is a significant positive step towards justice and healing for the victims, their families, and for JVP. The guilty verdict is not yet final, but I am confident it will be sustained. But while at this, there is still much work needed in terms of therapy and psychological recovery of the victims and their families.
You have a long-standing connection with JVP. Could you share a bit about your personal background and your experience as a Jesuit Volunteer?
I joined the JVP way back in 1991, right after I graduated from the university. I actually volunteered for 2 years. I did student formation and campus ministry work in my first year. Then I was a high school teacher and a farmers’ cooperative organizer in my second year. Those 2 years of volunteer experience led to a deeper sense of mission and purpose in me, such that after JVP, I have since gone into social development work. I do paralegal formation, policy advocacy, and case litigation for farmers, fisherfolk, indigenous peoples, abused women and children, and environmental protection.
How has that experience shaped your response to this case?
The JVP community is family to me, and the JVP work is social development work. An assault on my family or colleague is also an assault on me. So these cases are, in a way, “personal” to me. That is how I see it.
You’ve worked closely with the family of Genifer Buckly. How did they react to the verdict, and how are they doing now, six years after the loss of their daughter? Have you remained in contact with them throughout the legal battle?
When these cases were still in the initial stages, we briefly worked with Genifer’s parents and uncle. Given the evidence that was available, we discussed with them possible scenarios and litigation strategies. Unfortunately, however, Genifer’s parents and uncle did not live to hear the verdict in these cases. They successively died midway through the litigation. Genifer is survived by her lone younger sibling, Margie, whom I regularly updated in the course of the litigation. She was not happy with the homicide conviction as she really wanted murder. But she was just comforted with the fact that, when all the imprisonment sentences in the 3 cases are added up, the total years of imprisonment would be the same as that of murder.
Jhana, the Grade 9 student who survived the attack, also suffered multiple stab wounds. How is she doing now? Have you had the chance to follow her journey of recovery and resilience?
Jhana was placed under the Witness Protection Program (WPP) of the government right after her recovery from the hospital following the attack. She was only 14 years old, but she had to be separated from her family for security purposes. So aside from meeting with her twice to prepare for her court testimony, I could not get in touch with her directly as she had to be secured in a safe house somewhere. She was released by the government from the WPP when she was 19 years old, towards the latter part of the litigation. I only learned from her recently that the traumatic experience kept haunting her while in the safe house. She has had countless sleepless nights, even nightmares, yet could not feel the comfort and warm embrace of her parents as she was away. She even tried to commit suicide a few times. I did not realize the WPP of the government did not have a program for her therapy and recovery. At any rate, a therapy process has already been initiated for her recently.
The legal fight isn’t over yet. What are the challenges you foresee in the next phase, especially as the case may reach the Court of Appeals or even the Supreme Court?
I think that we have a strong case. The trial court has already evaluated all the evidence and ruled in our favor. I am confident that the higher courts will have similar findings. There is even the possibility that the higher courts may impose a stiffer penalty/sentence.
In the aftermath of the attack, how has the Jesuit Volunteers Philippines program been affected? Were there moments when it seemed the program might be in jeopardy? How has the JVP community responded and adapted?
I think that initially, the attack resulted in a decrease in applications to the Jesuit Volunteer Program. But the JVP has instituted a number of measures to further strengthen the safety and security of its volunteers in the mission areas. This includes closer coordination with, between, and among the JVP Alumni communities near the mission areas. So in a way, it made the JVPs closer and stronger.
You’ve rendered pro bono legal service with extraordinary commitment, traveling, gathering evidence, and standing by the victims' families for years. What has sustained you through this emotionally and spiritually demanding journey?
It helps that my spouse is also a JVP alumna, so she also feels strongly about the need to pursue justice for our “kid sisters.” And of course, there is the support and prayers of the whole JVP community. I get tips and counsel from time to time from other JVP alumni who are law practitioners as well. Also, as I said earlier, this is a “family” matter. It is personal to me.
Lastly, what message would you like to share with the JVP community, future volunteers, and the broader public who continue to pray for justice, healing, and peace?
We will continue to seek and pursue justice and healing for Genifer, Kath, and Jannah. We owe it to them and their families. What happened in 2019 should further strengthen our resolve to help build a just, safe and more humane world for everyone. And so the JVP mission continues.
