DOJ eyes Maguindanao massacre convictions in 2019

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has given assurance that the Maguindanao massacre will be resolved next year.

“We believe we can wind up the trial of the case this year... We are hoping that by 2019, a decision will be rendered by the court,” Guevarra said in an interview on CNN Philippines yesterday.

Guevarra said the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 is winding up the trial of 197 suspects.

“There are just five remaining accused who are presenting evidence,” he said. 

As of November last year, the court heard a total of 166 witnesses from the prosecution and 107 from the defense.

The court also resolved 15 sets of formal offer of evidence in connection with the bail applications of 70 of the accused, including that of former mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., which was denied last May.

The court was expected to render judgment for each of the accused and not wait for all of them to finish the presentation of evidence.

Four of the accused, including Andal Ampatuan Sr., died while in detention. Four others who submitted their demurrer to evidence were acquitted.

Initial judgment

Meanwhile, the Mangudadatu clan is optimistic of an initial judgment this year.

“We fought this battle the legal way because we believe the court is the only venue where we can seek redress,” Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu said yesterday.

Mangudadatu cited the statement of presidential spokesman Harry Roque that President Duterte is hoping for initial convictions this year.

Mangudadatu’s wife, Genalyn, his two sisters and several other relatives were among the victims, 32 of them journalists. – With John Unson