Accused in Maguindanao massacre told to get new lawyers

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City judge handling the Maguindanao massacre trial ordered the 25 accused, including members of the Ampatuan clan, to hire lawyers after their defense counsels simultaneously pulled out from the multiple murder case.

“In view of the foregoing, accused are directed to immediately engage the services of new counsels who will assist them in these cases,” read the one-page order issued yesterday by Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes.

The order was issued a day after the Fortun Narvasa & Salazar law office, Manuel law office and Real Brotarlo & Real law firm filed withdrawals of appearance on behalf of their 25 clients.

Gregorio Narvasa II signed the withdrawal representing principal accused Andal Ampatuan Sr. and his son Andal Jr.

Lawyer Andres Manuel also filed a withdrawal of appearance for his 13 clients: Moktar Daud, Mohades Ampatuan, Misuari Ampatuan, Macton Bilungan, Tato Sampogao, Taya Bangkulat, Salik Bangkulat, Ibrahim Kamal Tatak, Norman Tatak, Not Abdul, Abedin Alamada, Morales Sisay Amilol and Talembo Kahar Abdulrahman.

Real withdrew appearance for suspects Sajid Islam Ampatuan, Anwar Ampatuan Sr., Akmad “Tato” Ampatuan, Anwar “Datu Ipi” Ampatuan, Sajid Anwar “Datu Ulo” Ampatuan, Nasser Esmail, Nicomedes Amad Tolentino, Bulatukan Omar Kayansang, Datutulon Malaguial Esmael and Datukan Malang Salibo.

No reason was stated on why the defense lawyers have withdrawn from the case.

Representatives from the law firms said no one was available to answer queries.

The withdrawals were filed even as the defense is set to start presenting their evidence in support of the bail petition of some of the accused.

In June, the FNS already withdrew its appearance for former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao governor Zaldy Ampatuan. The Heffron Esguerra Dy & De Jesus law office took over for Zaldy.

The withdrawals were filed amid bribery allegations that have resulted in a rift among prosecutors handling the case.

Private prosecutor Nena Santos and prosecution witness Lakmudin Saliao claimed the government panel of prosecutors led by Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III received a P50-million bribe from the Ampatuans to drop the case.

Santos, who represents Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, also claimed to have been offered bribe money by the camp of the accused but said she rejected it and the money instead went to the public prosecutors.

Saliao added it was through Fortun that the bribe for Baraan and the panel of prosecutors was facilitated.

Baraan and the rest of the public prosecutors have repeatedly denied the allegations.

Malacañang, for its part, dared Santos to file charges before the Office of the Ombudsman to prove her allegations.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Santos must be able to come up with hard evidence to prove her allegations.

Valte also expressed hope the lawyers of the accused did not withdraw from the case after the bribery issue came out just to delay the trial.

“In any case, the Department of Justice panel of prosecutors is on guard against dilatory tactics. After a certain period of time, under the Rules of Procedure, if a lawyer is not retained by the accused, he or she will have to be defended by a public attorney,” Valte said. – With Aurea Calica, Edu Punay