MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang said it has extended assistance to the families of the Maguindanao massacre victims but disagrees that it should give compensation to the families of victims.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte told reporters on Tuesday, June 25, the Palace [doesn’t] “agree with the interpretation” of Center for International Law Chairman Harry Roque that the government should compensate the victims. Roque is also the lawyer for 17 of the families.

“In any criminal case, it is understood that the accused, if proven to be guilty in court, is responsible for the civil aspect of the case,” she said.

“The accused [in this case] – while they were elected officials – it wasn’t the government that committed the crime,” she added.

Valte said they are “not quite sure” if the international convention cited by Roque to support his claim applies in this situation because it implies the government was the perpetrator.

The statements come after reports that some families of the Maguindanao massacre victims were offered settlements by the main respondents in exchange for identifying Maguindanao Gov Esmael Mangudadatu as the culprit, according to Roque.

Mangudadatu’s wife and other relatives were among the 58 killed in the November 2009 massacre – the bloodiest in recent history.

Leaders of the Ampatuan clan, who have ruled Maguindanao for years, were among the 78 suspects who pleaded not guilty to the gruesome murders.

Don’t delay case

President Benigno Aquino III has vowed justice for the victims of the Maguindanao massacre before the end of his term in 2016.

Observers have condemned the snail-paced progress of the case, with the crime having been committed 4 years ago.

Read: De Lima asks massacre victims to resist monetary settlement

Valte said Aquino has met with the families of victims and provided immediate assistance in response to their specific concerns.

“The offer of assistance has always been there because we know how difficult this incident has been for them. And again, the instructions of the President stands that for our public prosecutors, they should not delay the proceedings and should fight all dilatory tactics that the defense can use,” she said.

While Valte made it clear they did not agree with Roque’s interpretation, she gave assurances the Palace will refer Roque’s interpretation on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to the Department of Justice. – Rappler.com