Massacre suspect moved to Quezon City jail due to threats

MANILA, Philippines - A suspect in the Maguindanao massacre trial was transferred to the Quezon City Jail yesterday from his detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City due to threats to his life.

In a three-page order, Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Genie Gapas-Agbada allowed the transfer of suspect Bimbo Salazar Piang after the prosecution panel issued a favorable comment on the request.

Earlier, Piang asked the judge to allow his transfer, noting a punching incident in 2014 involving him and another suspect resulted in him having grudges with other detainees.

The prosecutors did not oppose the motion, agreeing that the punching incident had caused the ire of his co-detainees.

They noted Piang’s close relationship with Akmad Baganian Ampatuan, who is a potential witness for the prosecution panel in the multiple murder case.