No PAO lawyer for Ampatuans

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City court handling the Maguindanao massacre trial yesterday clarified a STAR report on the appointment of a public attorney to represent some suspects in the multiple murder case.

Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes said the court only assigned Laguindab Marohombsar of the Public Attorney’s Office to represent 13 out of 25 suspects whose lawyers withdrew from the cases last week.

They include suspects Talembo Masukat, Mohades Ampatuan, Misuari Ampatuan, Macton Bilungan, Norman Tatak, Armando Ambalgan, Abedin Alamada, Nicomedes Tolentino, Thong Guiamano, Salipad Tampogao, Datutuhon Esmael, Naser Talib, and Butukan Malang.

Meanwhile, Solis-Reyes said Marohombsar was not appointed as defense counsel for seven members of Ampatuan clan – Andal Sr., Andal Jr., Anwar Sr., Sajid Islam, Akmad, Datu Ulo, and Datu Ipi.

Instead, Solis-Reyes gave the Ampatuans seven days to secure services of new counsels who will represent them in the said cases.

Also ordered to find new lawyers were Moktar Daud, Taya Bangkulat, Salik Bangkulat, Not Abdul, and Nasser Esmail.

Last week, three firms representing the 25 accused – Fortun Narvasa & Salazar, Manuel law office, and Real Brotarlo & Real – simultaneously filed withdrawals of appearance. No reason was stated on why they decided to withdraw from the cases.

During the hearing on Wednesday, private prosecutor Harry Roque asked the court to order the Ampatuans to select new lawyers as the withdrawals of the defense counsels may result in delays in the trial.

The defense lawyers withdrew from the case even as the court is set to schedule hearings for the presentation of their evidence in support of their bail petition.