Maguindanao massacre trial Judge admits evidence vs 40 cops’ bail plea

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City judge handling the Maguindanao massacre trial has admitted over 300 sets of evidence submitted in opposition to the bail petition of 40 police officers tagged in the multiple murder case.

In a 38-page order, Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes resolved the prosecution panel’s formal offer of evidence against the bail petitions of police officers currently detained for the Nov. 23, 2009 incident.

The suspects included in the latest orders were members of the Solano group, Labayan group, 150th group, Police Officer 1 Pia Kamidon and Police Officer 2 Saudiar Ulah.

Members of the Solano group includes Senior Police Officer 1 Ali Mluk Solano, PO2 Kendatu Rakim, PO1 Jimmy Kadlong, PO1 Abdulrahman Batarasa, PO3 Felix Daquilos, PO1 Datu Jerry Utto, PO1 Abdulbayan Mundas, PO1 Marjul Julkadi, PO1 Abdulanan Saavedra, SPO1 Samad Maguindra, PO3 Gibrael Alano, PO1 Marsman Nilong and PO1 Badjun Panegas.

The Labayan group, meanwhile, includes SPO2 George Labayan, PO1 Bersedick Alfonso, SPO1 Alimola Guianon, PO1 Ebara Bebot, SPO1 Elizer Rendaje, PO3 Ricky Balanueco, PO2 Rexson Guiama, PO1 Amir Solaiman, PO1 Tamano Sahibal Hadi, PO1 Mohamad Balading, PO1 Michael Macarongon and PO1 Pendatun Dima.

Included in the 150th group are PO1 Herich Amaba, PO3 Rasid Anton, PO3 Felix Enate, PO1 Esprielito Lejarso, PO1 Narnouk Mascud, SPO1 Eduardo Ong, PO2 Saudi Pasutan, PO1 Arnulfo Soriano, PO3 Abibudin Abdulgani, PO2 Hamad Nana, PO1 Esmael Guialal, SPO2 Oscar Donato and PO1 Abdula Baguadatu.

In her order, Solis-Reyes admitted the various complaints and affidavits, including that of former Buluan vice mayor and now Maguindanao Gov.  Esmael Mangudadatu. His wife, Genalyn, and relatives were among the 58 people – 32 of whom media practitioners – who died in the massacre.

Also admitted as evidence were sworn statements of various witnesses, as well as the medico-legal reports, autopsy pictures, and anatomical sketches of the cadavers of the witnesses.

The judge also ruled to admit various records from telecommunications companies and testimonies of their representatives.

Also admitted were the testimonies of Mangudadatu, former Ampatuan municipality vice mayor Rasul Sangki, suspects-turned-state witnesses Sukarno Badal and Esmael Canapia, and eyewitnesses Noh Akil, Lakmodin Saliao, and Esmail Amil Enog.

Meanwhile, the judge ruled not to admit the sworn statements and testimonies of suspects Mohamad Sangki, Rex Ariel Diongon and Rainier Ebus in view of her earlier order that denied the suspects’ bid to become state witnesses.

She also denied admission as evidence of the photographs of the alleged armored personnel carrier used in the incident, also in view of the denial of the state witness bid of the three suspects.

Also denied was a memorandum regarding the transmittal of administration reports for the November 2009 listing of police personnel due to the prosecution’s failure to submit the original copy of the document.

Solis-Reyes said the petition for bail of the suspects will only be submitted for resolution after the court rules on the separate formal offer of evidence on the 58th murder case.