The Philippine Online Chronicles

The Maguindanao Massacre trial resumed today with a hearing on primary suspect Andal Ampatuan Jr.’s petition for bail.

"Prosecutors are to offer witnesses to show that the evidence against Andal is strong," said prosecution lawyer Pete Principe in a DzBB interview aired earlier today.

Witnesses were called forward to testify against granting the petition, including Ampatuan Vice Mayor Rasul Sangki who in his affidavit said that Andal Jr. received the kill order from his father Andal Ampatuan Sr.

Karen Araneta, widow of massacre victim Henry Araneta, was also to come forward to present a text message she had received from her husband shortly before the massacre, saying he feared for the lives of those in the convoy because they military did not provide them with security.

Buluan Vice Mayor Ismael Mangudadatu reportedly left the court room while the witnesses were giving their testimonies.

“You know, I’m only human. I am saddened when I see and hear the witness describing what Andal Jr. was doing,” he told radio dzMM.

Mangudadatu lost his wife and two sisters in the massacre.

Ampatuan is charged with heading the systematic killing of a convoy of 57 people back in November 23. They were on their way to the local Commission on Elections (Comelec) office to file the Certificate of Candidacy of Ampatuan’s political rival Mangudadatu. Many of those killed were women and journalists.

During the first hearing Ampatuan pleaded innocent of the charges. He added in an interview yesterday that he wanted a fair trial because it would prove he was innocent.

“I know 100 percent that I will win if I am given a fair trial. This is what I ask from the government and those people handling my case,” he said. “I am wrongfully accused here. I am not at fault. Let those who are at fault come out.”