In Bacolod, acquittal of one key accused in Ampatuan massacre was fly in the ointment

BACOLOD CITY – The sister of one of the 57 victims of the Ampatuan massacre in 2009 expressed elation that justice had been served as journalists who also watched the verdict’s announcement expressed disappointment that there was no “100 percent” conviction.

Andrea Jayme, based in Bacolod and sister of slain human rights lawyer Connie Jayme-Brizuela, said the family had long waited for the verdict “and it has given us some closure.”

At least 57 people, including 32 journalists, were mowed down by gunfire in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao province on Nov. 23, 2009.

The journalists joined the convoy of then Buluan vice mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu who had sent his wife and supporters to file a certificate of candidacy on his behalf to run for governor against Andal Ampatuan Jr.

On Thursday (Dec. 19), the Quezon City Regional Trial Court convicted Andal Ampatuan Jr. and other members of the influential clan guilty of multliple murder for the killing of the 57 victims.

Leaders of journalists’ groups led candle-lighting ceremonies and prayers at the Marker for Fallen Journalists at the Bacolod City public plaza shortly after the verdict on the Ampatuan massacre case was announced.

Jaime Marchel Espina, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines Bacolod chapter chair, said the guilty verdict was a welcome development but the acquittal of one primary suspect, Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan, was disappointing.

“The families of the victims, who waited 10 years for justice, deserved better,” said Espina.

“We were expecting a 100 percent conviction of all the principal suspects,” she said.

Espina said Sajid’s absence at the promulgation of judgment undermined the judicial process.

Sajid, the incumbent mayor of Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao, was out on bail.

“We also call on the authorities to intensify its efforts to arrest the 80 suspects who remain at large, as they still pose a threat to the witnesses, the victims’ families, and the judge,” Espina said.

Edited by TSB