Maguindanao governor’s brother a no-show at DoJ probe of prosecutor’s slay

MANILA, Philippines—Relatives of the slain Maguindanao prosecutor became emotional after the Department of Justice (DoJ) rescheduled the preliminary investigation of the case following the non-appearance of respondent Barira Mayor Ibrahim Mangudadatu during Thursday’s proceedings.

“Bumiyahe pa kami mula sa Lanao [del Sur]…dapat mapanagot naman ang mga salarin (We’ve traveled far, from Lanao…the killers should answer for their deeds),” said Dato Kabugatan Farouk Balt, the eldest brother of slain Maguindanao Prosecutor Akilali Balt.

Assistant State Prosecutor Vimar Barcellano and Prosecution Attorneys Gerard Gaerlan and Mark Roland Estepa rescheduled the preliminary investigation for June 16 and 23, at the same time requiring Mangudadatu to submit his counter-affidavit.

Mangudadatu, brother of Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu, is facing a murder charge after he was identified by Akmad Makakena Maliga, the alleged gunman, as the mastermind of the killing.

Balt and his driver were on their way home aboard the former’s black Isuzu pickup on March 15 when two gunmen riding a black-and-white Honda Wave motorcycle opened fire while the victim’s vehicle was caught in a traffic jam along Rosary Heights in Cotabato City.

Eyewitness Dandan Datudacula positively identified Maliga as the gunman.