Backhoe driver eyed as witness

MANILA, Philippines - The operator of the backhoe that dug the common grave for 58 people killed in the Maguindanao massacre in 2009 wants to testify for the prosecution, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said yesterday.

De Lima said Bong Andal has applied for coverage under the Witness Protection Program (WPP) and executed an affidavit detailing his participation in the carnage.

“If he was really the backhoe operator and he was really there, that means he’s an eyewitness and he will be a big help to the prosecution,” De Lima said.

Andal is now under the custody of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) awaiting the court decision to place him under the WPP.

CIDG chief Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said Andal also sought protection for his family.

Pagdilao said Andal is willing to cooperate and provide testimony on the Maguindanao massacre.

The prosecution panel handling the Maguindanao massacre case also said they are considering turning Andal into a state witness.

State prosecutor Aristotle Reyes told the court that they wanted Andal as a state witness. Reyes though opposed the order of presiding judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes to transfer Andal to Quezon City Jail-Annex in Taguig, where his co-accused are detained, including members of the Ampatuan clan.

Reyes pleaded to the court to have Andal remain in the custody of the CIDG.

“Bong Andal’s life will be in danger if he is taken to a place where the other accused are detained. We pray that he will remain at the CIDG,” he told the court.

Andal was arrested by combined police and Army operatives in Barangay Kapinpilan, Midsayap, North Cotabato last Saturday.

He was an employee of the Maguindanao provincial government at the time members of the Ampatuan clan and their private militia allegedly slaughtered 58 people in Ampatuan town on Nov. 23, 2009.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome has ordered a continuing manhunt on the remaining 91 suspects involved in the massacre.

“The arrest of Andal, and other suspects now in custody, manifests the firm resolve of the PNP to arrest and prosecute all suspects behind the mass murder,” he said.

Bartolome said the arrest of Andal will further strengthen the case and eventually lead to the speedy and successful dispensation of justice for the murder victims, including 32 members of the media. – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Aie Balagtas See