Prosecutors in massacre trial ‘at odds’ anew

MANILA, Philippines - Prosecutors of the Department of Justice (DOJ) have once again found themselves “at odds” with private prosecutors in the Maguindanao massacre trial.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima disclosed yesterday that the DOJ panel led by City Prosecutor Archimedes Manabat and their private counterparts led by Nena Santos have differing positions on the conclusion of presentation of evidence against principal accused Andal “Datu Unsay” Ampatuan Jr. and 27 other accused.

“The position of the public prosecutors is that the case may already rest, but Atty. Santos disagreed. We have yet to decide on this issue,” De Lima told reporters.

Government prosecutors had earlier filed a manifestation with the Quezon City court hearing the case to end their presentation of evidence.

But with Santos’ objection, the DOJ is considering recalling its panel’s move.

Santos, counsel for Maguindanao Gov. Esmail “Toto” Mangudadatu whose wife Genalyn was among the 58 slain in the Nov. 23, 2009 massacre, had a rift with the DOJ prosecutors in 2011 over differences in strategies in handling the case.

Earlier, Manabat rested its case against Ampatuan even as the special Quezon City court handling the case has yet to rule on the suspect’s bail petition.

The panel also rested its case against Chief Inspector Sukarno Dicay, Moktar Daud, Zakaria Akil, Manny Ampatuan, Misuari Ampatuan, Police Officer 3 Gibrael Alano, Senior Police Officer 2 Badawi Bakal and Mohamad Balading.

They also finished presenting evidence against PO3 Ricky Balanueco, PO1 Michael Macarongon, SPO1 Samad Maguindara, PO1 Abdulbayan Mundas, PO1 Badjun Panegas, PO1 Amir Solaiman, PO1 Datu Jerry Utto, Armando Ambalgan and Mohades Ampatuan.

Also included in the motion were Salik Bangkulat, Macton Bilungan, Maot Dumla, Nasser Esmael, Edres Kasan, Nasser Talib, Salipad Tampogao, Superintendent Abusama Maguid, Ibrahim Kamal Tatak and Rakin Kenog.

According to the government prosecutors, they have no more witnesses to present against all 104 suspects arrested for the massacre.

However, Manabat said they could not rest its case against those who have pending motions before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 or the appellate courts.

In an earlier interview, Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes expressed hope the defense panel would be able to start presenting their witnesses on the bail pleadings during the first half of this year.