Witness in Maguindanao massacre feared dead

MANILA, Philippines - A witness in the Maguindanao massacre case, who has been missing for nearly two months, is feared dead.

This was disclosed by relatives of the massacre victims, including Maguindanao Gov. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, in their letter to the Supreme Court on May 28.

“One of the eyewitnesses, Esmail Amil Anog, has been missing and we are afraid he has been killed to forestall further identification of other accused – members of CVOs (civic-military organizations) and PNP who have not yet been apprehended,” they said.

Mangudadatu’s wife and other relatives were killed in the Nov. 23, 2009 massacre.

Anog is a self-confessed member of the alleged private army of the Ampatuan clan.

Mangudadatu’s lawyer, Nena Santos, said she had received information that chopped body part were found in Maguindanao about two months ago.

“We’re just waiting for the official confirmation from the police,” Santos told reporters.

The letter of the victims’ families was also sent to all SC justices, with copies furnished to the justices of the Court of Appeals, where some of the accused have filed petitions in connection with the massacre case, and the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221, which is hearing the multiple murder case.