Maguindanao Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu on Wednesday said he hoped “justice will prevail on their side” as he expressed confidence the suspects in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre, including its principal accused, former Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., would be convicted before President Rodrigo Duterte finished his term in 2022.
Nine years after the murder of 58 people on Nov. 23, 2009, in Barangay Salman, Ampatuan town, Mangudadatu stressed the need to resolve the cases against the alleged perpetrators, the Ampatuans.
Mangudadatu led the families of the victims in remembering their loved ones who were killed in Barangay Salman in Ampatuan nine years ago.
“We believe President Duterte will help us serve justice by helping to facilitate the resolution of the cases against the perpetrators,” Mangudadatu said.
Fifty-eight people, including 32 journalists, were killed on their way to Shariff Aguak on Nov. 23, 2009.
Among those killed was the wife of Esmael Mangudadatu, Genalyn.
The victims were part of a convoy accompanying the party of then Buluan town Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu who were supposed to file Mangudadatu’s Certificate of Candidacy for the May 2010 election.
The principal suspect, Ampatuan, has been tried for multiple murder charges.
The Quezon City Regional Trial Court, Branch 221, has submitted the case against Ampatuan and his co-accused for resolution after he submitted his formal offer of evidence before the conclusion of his trial.
Mangudadatu, brother of incumbent Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, said the family and relatives of other victims, with continuous prayers, said he still “believes in the justice system in our country.”
“The bloody Maguindanao massacre should be an eye-opener to the government to stop abusive and corrupt politicians,” Mangudadatu said.