Maguindanao massacre case ‘wrap up’ seen in early 2019: Guevarra

“There are four or five accused, will still present defense evidence before the court. Submitted for decision yan for early next year,” Guevarra said in a text message to reporters when asked for an update on the case being handled by Branch 221 of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. (TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL FILE PHOTO)

MANILA — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday said the trial of the 2009 Maguindanao massacre case in which 58 people, including 32 print and broadcast journalists were killed allegedly upon the orders of the influential Ampatuan clan, is expected to be submitted for decision by early 2019.

“There are four or five accused, will still present defense evidence before the court. Submitted for decision yan for early next year,” Guevarra said in a text message to reporters when asked for an update on the case being handled by Branch 221 of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.

Out of the 197 accused, 103 are currently undergoing trial for multiple murders, including prime suspect Andal Ampatuan Jr.

Also facing the same charges are Zaldy Ampatuan and another of their sibling, Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan though the later was allowed to post bail by the court in January 2015.

The Maguindanao massacre case involved the killing of at least 58 people, 32 of whom were journalists, on Nov.

23, 2009.

The murder cases account for 58 victims (out of the 58 victims, 32 were alleged to be media practitioners), originally involving 197 accused (15 surnamed Ampatuans), with 115 already arrested were the latest accused arrested is Jonathan Engid on February 28, 2017.

Four of the accused, including Andal Ampatuan, Sr.

died while in detention while four of the accused who submitted their demurrer to evidence were acquitted by the Quezon City regional trial court Branch 221. Thus, from those arraigned, only 103 accused remain on trial.

The Ampatuan clan was accused of masterminding the Maguindanao massacre, which killed 58 people to derail the political plans of rival Esmael Mangudadatu, incumbent governor of Maguindanao, for the 2010 elections.