3 massacre suspects want judge off case

MANILA, Philippines – Three policemen accused of allegedly participating in the “Maguindanao massacre” are insisting that the judge trying the case should inhibit herself, claiming that she has a “special relationship” with the Department of Justice.

In a motion for reconsideration they filed before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221, the three accused – Police Officer 3 Gibrael Alano, PO2 Rexzon Guiamoi and SPO1 Samad Maguindra – said Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes’ former boss was Chief State Prosecutor Claro Arellano.

“The fact that the former boss even had a hand in the appointment of the honorable judge amplifies an already fragile condition,” their appeal stated.

Solis-Reyes had earlier junked a motion for inhibition filed by the three policemen. She said she never served as state prosecutor but as assistant city prosecutor in Quezon City.

But according to the three policemen, the judge’s inhibition was needed to dispel any doubts of bias.

Solis-Reyes is hearing the multiple murder case against those accused in the Nov. 23, 2009 killings that left 57 people dead in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao.

Andal Ampatuan Sr. and Andal Ampatuan Jr., their family members and alleged supporters stand accused in the case.

Solis-Reyes has so far junked five motions asking for her inhibition filed by Andal Jr. and has yet to issue a ruling on a similar motion filed by Andal Sr.