IT WAS another historic day for the country.
In a December 19, 2019 SunStar Philippines report by Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo, brothers Andal Jr. and Zaldy Ampatuan and 26 others were found guilty of 57 counts of murder in relation to the 2009 Maguindanao massacre and sentenced to reclusion perpetua without bail or parole.
Fifteen others, including 14 policemen, were convicted as accessories and sentenced to a minimum of six years of prision correccional to a maximum of 10 years and eight months of prision mayor.
Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes handed down Thursday, December 19, 2019, her 761-page consolidated partial decision on the case.
A total of 197 individuals were charged with multiple murder for the killing of 58 persons, including 32 media workers, on November 23, 2009.
Others, with surname Ampatuan, who were also found guilty and sentenced to reclusion perpetua are Datu Anwar Sajid “Datu Ulo” Ampatuan, Datu Anwar “Datu Ipi” Ampatuan Jr., Datu Anwar Ampatuan Sr., Manny Ampatuan, Mohades Ampatuan and Misuari Ampatuan.
The accused were also ordered to compensate the families of the victims. In the court’s decision, they are ordered to pay over P150 million.
For now the families of the victims and those who have been calling for justice are temporarily celebrating for this milestone. In the last ten years, not much progress has been made with the case until yesterday.
However, it is still a long and uphill battle in the years to come.
“Even with these convictions, the families’ search for justice remains far from over. Some 80 other people accused have yet to be arrested,” Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director of Human Rights Watch, was quoted saying in an Associated Press report.
Likewise, according to the Rules of Court, the accused may still appeal to the Court of Appeals or to the Supreme Court.
The progress in the case of the Maguindanao massacre is a welcome development despite the slow gears of justice in the country. We are hopeful that the progress of the case will continue on at a better pace. Hopefully, this partial victory of the families will truly be a victory soon.