QC court wraps up trial of 2009 Maguindanao massacre case

August 8, 2019

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court wrapped its trial of the multiple murder case against former Datu Unsay, Maguindanao Mayor Andal Ampatuan and his brother, former Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao Governor Zaldy Ampatuan along with 195 others for their involvement in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the Quezon City RTC Branch 221 is expected to render judgement before the 10th year of the  crime which also claimed the lives of 32 journalists who joined the convoy of then Buluan vice mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu when he filed his candidacy for governor against Andal Ampatuan Jr.

Their convoy was stopped by more than 100 armed men who abducted and shot them.

Their bodies were found in a mass grave in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao.

Guevarra said the trial of the Maguindanao massacre case was completed on July 17 and the parties were given until August 15 to submit their respective memorandum or written summation.

“After which, the case shall be considered for decision. With or without the memoranda of the parties, the DOJ ( Department of Justice) expects that a judgement will be rendered before the 10th anniversary of the infamous massacre on November 23, 2019, and that justice will finally be served,” Guevarra said in a text message to reporters. DMS