Two witnesses in each massacre hearing needed

MANILA, Philippines - Prosecutors in the Maguindanao massacre were ordered yesterday to present at least two witnesses every hearing.

Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 issued the order based on the “motion for continuous trial” filed by Andal Ampatuan Jr.

Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon said they have no problem with the order.

“We will always be ready to have more than one witness,” he said.

But he noted that while the prosecution is always ready to present at least two witnesses, they cannot control the time the defense takes to cross-examine the prosecution witnesses.

Solis-Reyes also ordered the defense and prosecution to meet today to discuss the scheduling of the presentation of witnesses and evidence in the case after it was sought by Andal Jr.

“Additional trial dates shall be among the matters to be taken up during the meeting,” she said.

“The state prosecutors and the respective counsels of the private complainants and the accused are enjoined to attend said meeting.”

Andal Jr. and 195 others, including other members of the Ampatuan clan, are facing multiple murder charges for alleged participation in the November 2009 Maguindanao massacre.