Backhoe operator allowed to remain in Crame

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City court handling the Maguindanao massacre trial has reversed its earlier ruling and allowed the backhoe operator who allegedly dug the graves of the victims to remain in Camp Crame in Quezon City.

In a two-page order, Regional Trial Court Branch 221 assisting Judge Genie Gapas-Agbada granted the urgent motion for reconsideration of suspect Bong Andal as the prosecution interposed no objection to his request.

“With the judicial affidavit (of Andal), which appears to be greatly prejudicial to the defenses of his co-accused, the court is convinced that it is inimical to the movant’s interest to be transferred to the Quezon City Jail-Annex (QCJA),” read the motion.

Last month, Andal – through his lawyer Israelito Torreon – appealed the order of Gapas-Agbada that ordered his transfer from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame to the QCJA in Camp Bagong Diwa.

The backhoe operator was initially brought to Camp Crame as the prosecution panel initially wanted him to become a state witness. They later changed their minds and said they just want Andal to be prosecuted like the other suspects.

In her earlier order, Gapas-Agbada noted that the alleged threat to Andal’s life is non-existent and is simply based on speculations, conjectures and assumptions.

She also noted that the suspect has not yet given any adverse testimony against his co-accused.