Maguindanao massacre: Fiscals want to present massacre witnesses via video conference

MANILA, Philippines - The prosecutors in the Maguindanao massacre trial have asked the court handling the multiple murder case to allow them to present witnesses who are out of the country via video conferencing.

In a three-page manifestation and motion released to the media yesterday, private prosecutor Harry Roque said they do not have enough funds to purchase airline tickets witnesses Myrna Reblando and Reynafe Momay-Castillo to fly to the Philippines.

Reblando, husband of victim Alejandro “Bong” Reblando, fled the country and currently has a petition for asylum pending before the Hong Kong government.

During the commemoration of the fourth anniversary of the anniversary on Nov. 23, her son Alejandro Jr. said his mother left the country as she fears for her and their family’s safety.

Meanwhile, Momay-Castillo is currently in the United States where she is working. She is the daughter of alleged 58th victim Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay, whose remains were never found.

The panel has asked Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes to allow the said witnesses to testify via video conferencing or any other similar means.

“Video conferencing will allow the court to still closely observe the demeanor of the witness and the defense will most certainly be able to conduct their cross-examination of the witness as well,” read the motion.

“This will allow the witnesses to be able to testify at the soonest possible time after the court resumes trial after the Christmas break,” it added.

The prosecution asked the court to set the presentation of the said witnesses after Christmas, since lawyers representing the private complainants – including Roque and prosecutor Ethel Avisado – will be out of the country until Dec. 19.

The request for the presentation of the witnesses via video conferencing came days after the Supreme Court issued a resolution setting guidelines aimed at the accelerating the pace of the trial.

The resolution, a copy of which was sent to the court on Thursday, directed Solis-Reyes to implement the judicial affidavit rule in hearing the case.