More seek bail in massacre case

MANILA, Philippines—Two civilians indicted in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre case have joined some 50 other accused in asking a Quezon City court to let them post bail for their provisional liberty.

In two separate petitions, Bulatukan Omar Kayansang and Datutucon Melaguial Esmail sought bail in the multiple murder case against them, which is nonbailable.

The two civilians were among the 196 persons indicted for the murders of 57 people on Nov. 23, 2009, in Sitio Masalay, Ampatuan town, Maguindanao province.

Several members of the Ampatuan clan, led by Andal Ampatuan Jr., are accused in the mass murder. Andal Jr. is alleged to have masterminded the ambush of the convoy of his political rival, then Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu.

In their petitions,  Kayansang and Esmail said they were “baselessly implicated” in the massacre even as there was no direct evidence linking them to the massacre, and asked Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes to let them post bail.

Around 50 of the accused in the mass murder have so far asked to be allowed to post bail, including Andal Jr. and several police officers.

Solis-Reyes’ court has yet to resolve any of the 16 pending petitions for bail.