Special prosecutor attends Maguindanao massacre trial

MANILA, Philippines – The special prosecutor designated by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima appeared at the resumption of the trial of the Maguindanao massacre case today.

Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III said his marching orders from de Lima is to ensure that prosecution of the multiple murder case against the influential members of the Ampatuan clan, led by Andal Ampatuan Jr., would be facilitated.

He said he has been directed by De Lima to act as a "referee" between state and private prosecutors handling the case.

Today's hearing was adjourned early after a short cross examination by one of the defense counsels on former police inspector Ariel Rex Diongon.

Diongon was one of the police officials who set up the checkpoint to stop the convoy of the Mangudadatus and members of the media on Nov. 23 last year in Maguindanao.

In his previous testimony, Diongon told the court that the victims pleaded for their lives while they were being beat up by gunmen, reportedly led by Andal Ampatuan Jr.

The victims' cadavers, riddled with bullets, were later found scattered in a hilly portion of Sitio Masalay, Brgy. Salman, Maguindanao.