Guevarra sees conviction in Maguindanao massacre case

November 23, 2018

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Friday expressed confidence former Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. will be convicted for his alleged involvement in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre.

“At least for the principal accused, the evidence appears to be very strong, from the [Department of Justice]'s point of view,” Guevarra said, in an interview. Earlier, Guevarra said a decision will hopefully be done within the first half of 2019.

Ampatuan has been tried for multiple murder charges over the Nov. 23, 2009 incident in Barangay Salman in Ampatuan, Maguindanao where 58 victims were killed including 32 journalists.

The victims were part of a convoy accompanying then Buluan town Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu for who was filing his certificate of registration at the local Commission on Elections office for the 2010 gubernatorial election.

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court, Branch 221, has submitted for resolution the case against Ampatuan and his co-accused after he submitted his formal offer of evidence before the conclusion of his trial. DMS