Witness in Maguindanao massacre trial arrested

MANILA, Philippines – The woman who owned a notebook containing the names of lawyers, including Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan, who allegedly took bribes in relation to the Maguindanao Massacre trial, was arrested on Wednesday, police said.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Angeles City Police arrested Jerramy Joson while attending a court hearing for her separate estafa case at the city prosecutor’s office at Barangay (village) Maragul, the CIDG said on Friday.

Joson, 32, was accused by Jim and Angelica Lopez of falsifying land titles in July 2013.

Police Director Benjamin Magalong, CIDG chief, said in a statement that Joson was served a warrant for violating Article 172 of the revised penal code or falsification of public document.

But police said Joson posted a P12,000 bail.

Last August 13, Joson filed graft and administrative complaints against Baraan and his secretary, Paula Garcia, before the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly extorting P600,00 from her in exchange for a favorable decision in the review of a car theft case she filed against Ampatuan lawyer Arnel Manaloto with the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Magalong said Joson was believed to be a trusted staff and documents keeper of Manaloto, the lead counsel of the Ampatuans.

She disclosed to the media her notebook containing names of people allegedly bribed by the Ampatuans, the principal accused in the Maguindanao massacre in November 2009.

According to Joson, Manaloto was originally the owner of the notebook.

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