Press Release
December 17, 2009

Villar to SC: Beef up security for Maguindanao massacre judges

Sen. Manny Villar yesterday urged Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno to beef up security for the judges who will hearing the Maguindanao massacre case after a judge backed out because he feared for his and his family's safety.

"The SC should ensure the safety of those involved in this case. We cannot allow members of the judiciary to be cowed into frustrating the administration of justice," Villar, Nacionalista Party president and standard-bearer, said.

The senator issued the statement after Judge Luisito Cortez of the RTC's Branch 84 inhibited himself from hearing the case for security reasons. The primary suspect in the massacre is Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., a son of Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr.

"The refusal of Cortez to handle the case only shows that the foremost obstruction to justice in this case involves security and safety concerns. A crime of this magnitude will indeed send chills down anyone's spine, but this should not hinder the proper and speedy administration of justice," Villar said.

He explained that the the SC is empowered to make the necessary security arrangements if it is needed in the trial of suspects in the Maguindanao massacre.

"Extraordinary circumstances necessitate extraordinary measures. I am confident that Chief Justice Puno is aware of the need to do whatever it takes, within the bounds of law and reason, to prevent a miscarriage of justice in this case," he said.

"We should not allow fear stop the wheels of justice from turning. The victims, their families and the whole country demand justice for the terrible crimes committed against them."

News Latest News Feed