SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao, Philippines?The families of the Maguindanao massacre victims welcomed the Supreme Court?s decision transferring the venue of the murder trial of Andal Ampatuan Jr. to Quezon City.

Eden Ridao, wife of victim Anthony Ridao, one of the passengers of a van that was passing the highway when the convoy was blocked by at least 100 armed men, said the transfer of venue would mean safety to the victims? families.

?Mabuti kung doon sa neutral ground sa Quezon City ? Mahirap kung malapit din sa kanila (Ampatuans), nakita naman natin ang supporters nila (It?s better if it?s in a neutral ground like Quezon City. It?s risky if it is held in Ampatuan territory because of their supporters),? Eden said.

Dennis Ayon, whose wife Cynthia was one of the two female lawyers killed in the massacre, said Quezon City is a safer place compared to Cotabato.

?We also have lawyer-friends there who volunteered to help in the case,? Ayon said.

Lawyer Nena Santos, one of the legal counsels of the Mangudadatus said the transfer of venue ?could be the first step towards justice.?

?There, we could expect a fair trial, unlike in Cotabato City,? Santos said.