Davao victims’ kin ‘hurt terribly’

DAVAO CITY — Relatives of victims of the twin bombings that killed 38 people in this city last year feel betrayed by the government’s decision to drop criminal charges against the leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and its fighters accused in the terror attacks.

"Napakasakit (It hurts so much)," was all Jose Espera could say upon learning that the Department of Justice (DOJ) had dropped the multiple murder charges against 185 MILF members.

Five members of the Espera family, including their matriarch Pablita, were among those killed. Four of their immediate relatives were also seriously wounded in the Sasa wharf bombing on April 2, 2003.

"Where is justice there? Is that how easy it is for government to drop the charges?" asked one of Jose’s two brothers.

The sentiment was echoed by Virgie Elivera, whose two daughters Margie and Maribeth as well as her five-year old grandson Allan were among those wounded in the March 4, 2003 bombing that hit a waiting shed outside the old Davao International Airport.

Maribeth lost her left leg while Margie and Allan were left permanently scarred.

"Masakit (It hurts)," Virgie blurted out while her son Joel merely shook his head in disbelief.

Both families expressed dismay over the government’s decision to drop the charges, claiming it sacrificed justice for the victims of the twin bombings.

The Eliveras said life proved to be very difficult for three of their family members who survived the airport blast. "They could not freely move around anymore," Virgie said.

The victims’ relatives said they were betrayed by the DOJ, which did not even consult them on the move to drop the charges against the MILF.

"At least they could have told us about it," the Espera family said.

Both the Esperas and the Eliveras have already resigned to the possibility that they could not obtain justice for the victims of the twin bombings.

"No more. We do not expect anything anymore," said Joel Elivera.

"We leave it to God already. There is nothing we can do. We do not have the power to fight them. We do not expect justice anymore," one of the Espera brothers said.

The DOJ has dropped criminal charges against 185 Muslim separatist guerrillas blamed for the bombing of the Davao City International Airport and the Sasa wharf that killed 38 people in March and April last year.

The relatives of the bombing victims said they are willing to sacrifice for peace to finally prevail in Mindanao.

"It hurts but we have to accept it if it were for peace," the young Elivera said.

But the criminal case will still continue against the seven other accused in the bombings who were earlier arrested for their alleged involvement.

Three of the said suspects, Esmael Mamalangkas, Ting Idar and one 17-year old appeared yesterday before Regional Trial Court executive Judge Paul Archangel for a pre-trial hearing conference.

The other accused, Esmael Akmad, Tohame Bagundang and two others were earlier arraigned by the same court.

The seven accused have all denied any participation in the twin bombings.