SC wants full cooperation of all parties in Maguindanao massacre trial

MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court has called on all parties to the Maguindanao massacre trial to cooperate with the court to ensure the speedy disposition of the case.

“Considering the unique and unprecedented nature of this case, and the volume of the work still to be done, the speedy disposition of this case depends on the cooperation of all parties and actors involved,” high court spokesperson Gleo Guerra said Thursday, a day before the third year anniversary of the trial.

On Nov. 23, 2009, 58 people including 32 journalists were killed in Maguindanao. This is considered the most brutal election-related killing and the worst crime against members of the media.

Out of the 196 accused in the killing, 98 have already been arrested and 81 have been arraigned while 57 have applied for bail.

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 handling the case have heard 101 witnesses in 264 hearing dates that started on Jan. 5, 2010.

Court records showed that 307 motions have been filed before the lower court and 204 have been resolved. As a result of the motions, 447 comments, oppositions, rejoinders, sur-rejoinders and manifestations have been filed. Records of the case currently have reached 48 volumes.

“Our judge has already exerted a tremendous amount of effort and work and knows it is her duty to continue doing so,” Guerra said.