MEDIA ADVISORY: July 31 Press Conference on the Ampatuan (Maguindanao) Massacre trial

Lawyers representing some private complainants in the trial of the alleged perpetrators of the November 23, 2009 Ampatuan (Maguindanao) Massacre will hold a press conference on 31 July 2014 (Thursday), 10 A.M. at Max’s restaurant, Scout Tuazon street, Quezon City to explain their opposition to the public prosecutors’  resting their case against some of the accused.

The public prosecutors have manifested before the trial court their intent to end their presentation of evidence against all arraigned accused in the Ampatuan Massacre even before the resolution of the bail petitions.

The trial judge described the public prosecutors’ move as “unprocedural”. She suggested that the prosecution rest only in the presentation of evidence in opposition to bail, and in evidence-in-chief only for those accused who have not petitioned for bail.

Lawyers Nena Santos and Prima Jesusa Quinsayas oppose the “premature” and “unprocedural” resting for evidence-in-chief against all arraigned accused as they believe it would be detrimental to the successful prosecution of the Massacre case.

Santos represents 25 private complainants including Maguindanao Gov. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, while Quinsayas represents the families of 17 media victims. Quinsayas is the legal counsel of the Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists, Inc. (FFFJ).

For inquiries, kindly contact the Center for Media Freedom & Responsibility (FFFJ Secretariat) at telephone nos. (02)894-1326/894-1314.