CA denies Sajid Ampatuan’s bid to stop indictment

MANILA, Philippines – Maguindanao Provincial Board Member Sajid Islam Uy Ampatuan will still be indicted for his alleged involvement in the infamous 2009 Maguindanao massacre.

This, after the Court of Appeals (CA) denied his bid seeking a review of its previous ruling that upheld a finding of probable cause by the justice department.

In a 3-page resolution released Monday, March 24, the CA Former Special First Division found “no necessity” to “modify or reverse” its Sept 10, 2013 decision.

“Petitioner’s arguments in support of his motion are mere rehash of the allegations in his petition which have already been extensively deliberated and passed upon by this Court,” the resolution read. 

Sajid Ampatuan is among the alleged perpetrators of a massacre on Nov 23, 2009, of at least 58 victims, including 32 journalists. Dead bodies were dug out from a mass grave in Sitio Masalay, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

The victims were supporters of an Ampatuan political rival, Esmael Mangudadatu.

In the May 2013 elections, Sajid was among the Ampatuan clan members who won in the polls.

The CA resolution was penned by CA Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda and concurred in by CA Associate Justices Francisco Acosta and Pedro Corales.

Progress in the case

The prosecution in the case earlier terminated the presentation of its primary evidence against 28 accused, including alleged leader Datu Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan Jr.

The DOJ is under marching orders from President Benigno Aquino III to have the suspects in the massacre convicted before his term ends in 2016.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima earlier said the Ampatuan massacre is “the single most important case” that should be resolved to show the public the government is serious in putting an end to the culture of impunity afflicting the country. (READ: DOJ: Ampatuan convictions by 2016)

A 2014 survey shows the Aquino administration registered a -26% net satisfaction rating in resolving the massacre, considered a sore point in his “unchartered popularity” of +51% in overall satisfaction ratings.

The Ampatuans have been the ruling clan in Maguindanao for decades, allegedly expanding their influence by rigging elections in favor of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. – Rappler.com