Backhoe operator identifies Ampatuan Massacre suspect

CMFR/Philippines – One of the three backhoe operators in the Ampatuan Massacre took the stand for the prosecution during a petition for bail hearing on 22 January 2013.  He re-affirmed his testimony of 12 July 2012, and confirmed that the bail petitioner, Datu Anwar Sajid “Datu Ulo” Ampatuan, is one of the Ampatuans.

Efren Macanas on 12 July 2012 had testified that it was the “practice” of the Ampatuan clan to murder people and use a backhoe to dig the pits in which to bury the bodies.

Macanas operated a backhoe intended to bury the victims of the Ampatuan Massacre, but said he backed out at the last minute when he heard gunshots.

On 29 November 2009, 58 people, including 32 journalists and media workers, were killed in an incident of election-related violence allegedly committed by some members of the Ampatuan clan against rival Esmael Mangudadatu.

Lawyer Paris Real, representing five Ampatuans including Datu Anwar Sajid, objected to the use of Macanas’ testimony of “prior conduct,” or evidence showing a pattern of behavior. But Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes overruled the objection since the court had already allowed Macanas’ testimony on “prior conduct” in 2012.

The Ampatuan Massacre trial is being heard by Judge Reyes of Branch 221 of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.