THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will go on full alert on December 18 and 19 for the promulgation of judgment for the Ampatuan case over the 2009 Maguindanao massacre.
Brigadier General Debold Sinas, NCRPO acting director, said on Friday, December 13, that they will implement total lockdown in the entire Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, Metro Manila starting December 18.
Over 700 police personnel will be deployed in the vicinity of the camp ahead of the promulgation on December 19 at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) annex inside the camp.
Only members of the media who have permit to enter the camp will be allowed inside.
“Mag-lockdown (kami) at wala munang papasok na bisita on the 18th at 19th,” he said. (We will be on lockdown. No visitors allowed on the 18th and 19th.)
“Specifically requested (din) ng court na walang mag rally sa tapat ng BJMP. Sabi namin doon sa labas, mag provide kami ng lugar doon sa labas,” he added.
(The court also specifically requested that no rallies be held in front of the BJMP. We will designate an area outside the camp for the rallies.)
Sinas has already ensured the security of the lawyers and judges handling the case.
The promulgation will be held 10 years after 58 people, including media personnel, were killed on November 23, 2009 in what is now known as the Maguindanao massacre.
The victims were part of a convoy with the wife of then Buluan vice mayor Esmael Mangudadatu when they were killed in Ampatuan town.
Mangudadatu was on his way to file his certificate of candidacy against Datu Unsay mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., son of then incumbent Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., for the gubernatorial post.
The Ampatuans were among the 101 suspects arrested. Ampatuan Sr. later died in detention. (SunStar Philippines)