Court affirms bail for 25 cops in Maguindanao massacre

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City court handling the Maguindanao massacre trial has affirmed its order allowing 25 police officers tagged in the multiple murder case to post bail in exchange for their temporary liberty.

In a four-page order released yesterday, Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes said the prosecution panel failed to convince the court that there is enough evidence that would warrant a reversal of its earlier order.

“Beyond the conduct of the checkpoints, no other overt act related to the purported planning and alleged murder of the victims can be attributed to the individual accused members of the 1507th Provincial Mobile Group,” read the order.

The prosecution panel is appealing the court order that allowed members of the so-called “Solano” and “Labayan” groups to post P11.6 million bail each. None of them have posted bail.

The Solano group is composed of SPO1 Ali Solano, SPO2 Samad Maguindra, PO3 Gibrael Alano, PO3 Felix Daquilos, PO2 Kendatu Rakim, PO2 Datu Jerry Utto, PO1 Marsman Nilong, PO1 Abdulmanan Saavedra, PO1 Jimmy Kadtong, PO1 Abdulbayan Mundas, PO1 Badjun Panegas, PO1 Abdurahman Batarasa and PO1 Marjul Julkadi.

Meanwhile, members of the Labayan group include SPO2 George Labayan, SPO1 Alimola Guianaton, SPO1 Elizer Rendaje, PO3 Ricky Balanueco, PO2 Rexson Guiama, PO1 Bensidick Alfonso, PO1 Pendatun Dima, PO1 Ebara Bebot, PO1 Amir Solaiman, PO1 Tamano Sahibal Hadi, PO1 Michael Macarongon and PO1 Mahamad Balading.