SC OKs live media coverage of Maguindanao massacre ruling

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday allowed the live media coverage of the Dec. 19 promulgation of judgment of the Maguindanao massacre case at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

SC spokesman Brian Keith Hosaka said the high court granted the request of medial organizations for the live broadcast of the verdict to be handed down by Quezon City Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes.

“Due to security concerns, the resolution and guidelines will be out possibly at the end of the week,” Hosaka said.

The SC ruled that only two cameras of government television PTV4 would be allowed inside the courtroom due to space limitations.

The cameras, although manned by PTV4 personnel, would be under the direct supervision of the high court’s Public Information Office.

One of the cameras would be focused on the judge and the court employee who will read the decision. The second camera would focus on the parties to the case and their lawyers. Both cameras would use wide-angle shots.

Other media entities will be housed in a room and will be allowed to tap into the live feed of PTV4 during the promulgation of the case.

The SC said only accredited media representatives would be allowed inside the courtroom. 

Presidential Communications Secretary Jose Ruperto Andanar welcomed the SC decision allowing the PTV4 to cover the proceedings live.

“The promulgation of this case is of paramount interest to the public and the media as well,” Andanar said.

Around 400 people are expected to attend the promulgation of the case.

Fifty-eight people, including 32 media workers, were killed in the massacre allegedly masterminded by the Ampatuans on Nov. 23, 2009.

Former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao governor Zaldy Ampatuan, one of the primary suspects, remains confined at the Makati Medical Center.

No rallies

Police said rallies would be banned at Camp Bagong Diwa during the promulgation of the case next week.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas said the relatives of the victims and supporters of the Ampatuans would be barred from bringing placards inside the police camp.

At least 100 policemen will be deployed outside the camp during the promulgation of the case.

Sinas said officials of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology agreed to impose a lockdown at Camp Bagong Diwa starting on Dec. 18. – With Non Alquitran, Christina Mendez