Massacre suspects oppose backhoe operator’s detention in Crame

MANILA, Philippines - A lawyer representing 11 suspects in the Maguindanao massacre case has opposed a motion asking the Quezon City judge handling the case to allow the continued detention of the alleged backhoe operator in Camp Crame.

Defense lawyer Andres Manuel, in an opposition filed Aug. 28 but released by the court yesterday, asked Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes to deny for lack of merit a motion for reconsideration filed by the Witness Protection Security and Benefits Program (WPSBP) regarding the detention of suspect Bong Andal, who was arraigned on Aug. 14.

Manuel said the WPSBP has no personality to file the motion for reconsideration as it is not a party to the case.

Manuel represents suspects Moktar Daud, Mohades Ampatuan, Macton Bilungan, Misuari Ampatuan, Tato Sampogao, Taya Bangkulat, Salik Bangkulat, Ibrahim Tatak, Norman Tatak, Not Abdul, and Abedin Alamada.

He noted that the Department of Justice, through the panel of prosecutors, was the one that asked for the transfer of Andal to Camp Bagong Diwa after the prosecution panel withdrew its intention to utilize the alleged backhoe operator as a state witness.

The WPSBP, through its program director Martin Meñez, earlier appealed the court’s ruling that ordered the transfer of Andal to the Quezon City Jail-Annex in Camp Bagong Diwa. Andal is currently detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

In his appeal, Meñez said the transfer to Camp Bagong Diwa – where Andal’s co-accused are detained – will make Andal vulnerable to physical harm, serious threats, and psychological pressure.

Meñez said the alleged backhoe operator is still under the witness protection program, adding that it is their duty to provide him with the required security and protection.