Palace assures relatives of Maguindanao massacre victims of justice

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang yesterday assured kin of victims of the Maguindanao massacre last Nov. 23 that the prosecution of the case would proceed steadily even with a change in government on June 30.

Deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar issued the statement as the victims’ families and media organizations observed the sixth month of the massacre yesterday.

He said in six months since the incident, which drew strong condemnation from the international community and reinforced the Philippines’ standing as one of the world’s most dangerous place for journalists, the government was able to set in motion a judicial process and brought stability in Maguindanao.

“The case is now with the courts and up to now we don’t hear major complaints on the judicial processes,” Olivar said.

He said until the end of her term on June 30, President Arroyo would do her best to see to it that the wheels of justice would continue to turn and see the final resolution of the case before she steps down.

“We do not see any reason (for the victims’ families) to be apprehensive under a new administration. Whoever would be leading the executive branch would make sure that justice is served,” Olivar said.

He said Mrs. Arroyo wants the judicial process to proceed correctly or the case to be resolved before she steps down.

The Justice Now Movement (JNM) earlier said it was pinning its hopes on president-apparent Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III for the speedy resolution of cases they filed against members of the Ampatuan clan.

JNM is an organization of families of the 57 people, including 32 journalists, murdered in Maguindanao.