Cops tagged in Maguindanao massacre want separate trial

MANILA, Philippines - Policemen tagged in the Maguindanao massacre multiple murder case have asked a court to conduct a separate trial on the charges against them.

The 10 police officers, through their lawyer, Adilberto Golla Jr., filed the pleading, citing their right to speedy trial.

In the motion filed before Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes, they claimed that since their arraignment last April 21, 2010, they are still waiting for the prosecution to establish their conspiracy with the others accused in the case.

The 10 policemen are Senior Police Officer 1 Eduardo Ong, Police Officers 3 Rasid Anton and Felix Anate, Police Officer 2 Hernanie Decipulo and Saudi Pasutan and Police Officers 1 Herich Amaba, Esprielito Lejarso, Narkouk Mascud, Arnulfo Soriano and Pia Ka Mudin.

They were all assigned with the 1508th Provincial Mobile Group-PRO-ARMM and are detained in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.

The policemen said based on evidence pre-marked during the pre-trial conference, it cannot be proven that they conspired with the other accused.

There are 196 accused in the multiple murder case filed before the court in connection with the Nov. 23, 2009 massacre. The policemen said they were only indicted because they were members of the 1508th PMG and that they were present when the victims were abducted.