NBI beefs up security of Ampatuan massacre prosecutors

MANILA, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has increased the security detail of the prosecution lawyers handling the Ampatuan massacre trial after a recent bomb attack on Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu.

Assistant Regional State Prosecutor Peter Medalle said they were informed of the changes Tuesday. He, however, declined to divulge how the security measures were beefed up.

Mangudadatu, whose wife and supporters were killed in the 2009 massacre, was leading a convoy of vehicles in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat last Monday when a car bomb went off.

The blast killed Maguindanao provincial board member Datu Russman Sinsuat Sr. and a certain Rocky Pareñas. Sinsuat’s son, Russman Jr., was seriously wounded, along with several others.

Mangudadatu believes he is the target of the attack. His lawyer, Nena Santos, said the governor was “shocked” by the bombing.

Medalle could not say if the measures were necessary but if the NBI officials think their agents “can perform their duty better, then it’s okay.”

He added that even if members of their panel are killed while performing their duties, “idealistic prosecutors will still come in and continue with case.”

In a related development, police arrested a former militiaman, Fahad Utto, also known as Richard Gofel, in General Santos City Thursday morning. Utto is the 95th suspect arrested in the case, and police are still hunting 101 other accused.

Meanwhile, the Court of Appeals affirmed yesterday the indictment of Datu Anwar Ampatuan, brother of primary suspect Datu Unsay Ampatuan.   – Aie Balagtas See, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Edu Punay