Gov’t defers to state lawyers on Maguindanao massacre case

Malacañang defers to the judgment of state prosecutors in their decision to rest the prosecution’s case against the suspects of the 2009 Maguindanao massacre. Some private prosecutors involved in the case reportedly said the move would prohibit the prosecution from filing further evidence and could lead to mistrial. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government would leave the case to the “wisdom of the government prosecutors.” She also asked both camps to discuss and settle any misunderstanding or personal differences. Valte added the government does not forget the brutal November 23, 2009 massacre, where at least 58 people, including 32 journalists, were gunned down and then buried in a mass grave in Ampatuan, Maguindanao. Former Datu Unsay town mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr and 27 others stand accused of perpetrating the massacre. 

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