Maguindanao massacre hearing thrown into uproar as witness mixes up accused

MANILA, Philippines—A witness in the Maguindanao massacre said he does not have to prepare for what he has to say in court “because he already knew what happened in 2009.”

Lakmoding Saliao, a house help of former Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. for 18 years, was criticized by the defense counsel, after he identified a lawyer as among those present during a purported Nov. 17 meeting allegedly chaired by the Ampatuans to plan the ambush of a convoy of supporters and media of political rival Toto Mangangadatu.  But it was later learned that the lawyer was not among those charged with murder for the celebrated case.

At the hearing on Wednesday, the prosecution asked Saliao if there were people in court who was present during the meeting, and if he could identify them. Saliao stood up, walked to where the accused were sitting, and pointed to Sajid Ampatuan, a son of Andal Sr.

Lawyer Sigfrid Fortun later pointed out that Saliao had identified a lawyer who was not even an accused in this case. “It only goes to show what the witness is capable of,” Fortun said.

But lawyer Harry Roque, representing the victims of the massacre,  demanded that the name of the lawyer be put on record saying “this is a very serious matter. An officer of the court was present during that meeting.”

Earlier, Saliao came face to face with his former boss, Andal Sr. when he identified him in court. Standing about two meters away from Andal Sr., Saliao pointed at him.

The defense and the prosecution argued after Saliao’s testimony, with the prosecution seeking a continuance of the hearing for Thursday. The defense assailed the prosecution saying they were not prepared for today’s hearing. But the court granted the prosecution’s move for continuance as the prosecution had no other witness for the day.