Prosecutors oppose release of teen Maguindanao massacre suspect

MANILA, Philippines - Prosecutors trying the Maguindanao massacre case have filed a motion asking a Quezon City judge to reconsider her court order allowing a suspect, who was a minor when the crime happened, to be released on bail or to an able guardian.

They said the suspect, who is turning 19 on March 24, could leave the country or be “used as a tool by his co-accused... for whatever sinister plans” they have. The principal suspects in the massacre are former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. and his sons and relatives.

The prosecutors said the suspect – who worked as a militiaman – was closely associated with the principal suspects before the massacre and there is no assurance that the connection was severed upon their arrest.

They said the suspect’s release “will pose threats to the families not only of the private complainants but to the prospective prosecution witnesses as well.”

Prosecutors also questioned the rationale of releasing the suspect to his parents or other suitable persons, saying these “may not be actually ‘suitable’ or fit at all to have custody over him.”

According to the prosecution, the accused, who was only 16 when the massacre happened, could be held in a youth detention home or under the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of the Regional Trial Court Branch 221 allowed the suspect to post bail of P200,000 for each of the 57 counts of murder – a total of P11.4 million – or be released “on recognizance to his parents or other suitable persons.”

The suspect is currently detained at the Molave Youth Home at the Quezon City Hall compound.