Accused in Maguindanao massacre wants to remain at Camp Crame jail
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—One of the militiamen charged for the 2009 Maguindanao massacre is asking a Quezon City court to let him remain at the Camp Crame custodial center for security and safety reasons.
Takpan Dilon appealed to Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of Regional Trial Court Branch 221 to reverse her order directing his transfer to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
Most of the arrested accused are detained at the Quezon City Jail Annex in Camp Bagong Diwa, while others are held at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame.
In a two-page urgent motion, Dilon cited his security and safety in not wanting to be transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa.
“(The) accused begs (the) indulgence of the honorable court as he moves for his continued detention at the custodial center since he fears for his security and safety,” the pleading read.
In September 2013, the court ordered the transfer of Dilon and PO1 Pia Kamidon from Camp Crame to Camp Bagong Diwa.
Despite his appeals, Kamidon was moved to the QCJA last month while Dilon remained in Camp Crame.
Dilon pointed out that the prosecution has asked to turn state witness against the other accused, adding that Esmael Canapia, a suspect-turned-state witness, is his relative.
The accused noted that “the sole purpose of confining the accused in jail before conviction is to ensure his presence at the trial and to serve the penalty imposed upon him if convicted.”
“The detention of herein accused at the Custodial Center already serves such purpose, without endangering his security and safety,” Dilon added.
Last week, Dilon entered a plea of not guilty on the 58th murder case lodged against him. He is one of 115 accused arrested for the November 23, 2009 Maguindanao massacre, which claimed the lives of 58 people.
A total of 195 people have been charged for the massacre, which was allegedly perpetrated by members of the Ampatuan clan and their supporters.
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