Prosecution reports plot to disrupt massacre trial

MANILA, Philippines – Saying their security has been “compromised,” the prosecution in Maguindanao massacre trial warned Wednesday morning of an alleged plot to disrupt the hearing of the case on Thursday at Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig ,which could turn violent.

Prosecutors intend to have former Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. and former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Zaldy Ampatuan, arraigned on Thursday, the 500th day after the massacre.

Private prosecutor Harry Roque said three policemen charged in the case on Friday asked that they be allowed not to attend Thursday’s hearing because there was supposed to be a plot by their fellow detained accused to “disrupt” the proceedings.

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima has asked Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo to replace the warden and several guards at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology compound where the hearing will be held, Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan said.

“We have received intelligence reports that our security has been compromised,” Baraan told reporters during a break in the hearing of the case Wednesday morning in Quezon City.