New court interpreter in Maguindanao massacre trial

MANILA, Philippines – A new court interpreter has been assigned to the local court presiding over the Maguindanao massacre trial.

Suharto Amad from the Shariah Court replaced lawyer Rolando Abu, the Maguindanaoan interpreter for Branch 221 of the Quezon City regional trial court, who was absent in the August 3 and 4 hearings due to an ear ailment.

Abu himself informed the court that he could no longer do translations because of his illness.

But court staff said Amad’s stay was only temporary until Abu’s condition improved.