MANILA, Philippines – The Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 has issued a hold departure order on Sajid Ampatuan who was released from detention after payment of P11.6-million bail.
In an order released Monday, QCRTC Branch 221 Presiding Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes granted the prosecution’s motion after Ampatuan did not oppose the request for an HDO.
“Taking into account the nature of the offense(s) charged and the magnitude of these cases, as well as the possibility that accused may jump bail and depart from the country to evade prosecution, the Court rules to Grant the instant motion,” Solis-Reyes said.
Sajid Ampatuan is one of the accused in the Maguindanao massacre where 58 people died. Out of the 58, 32 were journalists.
The court allowed Ampatuan to post bail after the prosecution failed to present evidence that would warrant his continued detention.
The court ordered his release from Camp Bagong Diwa. He is the first Ampatuan to be released on bail.
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