UCA News
Contribute

Bishops welcome massacre trial ruling

Supreme Court decision to allow live coverage wins widespread praise
Bishops welcome massacre trial ruling
Andal Ampatuan Jr., prime suspect in the Maguindanao massacre, is led out of his cell
Published: June 15, 2011 09:25 AM GMT
Updated: June 16, 2011 03:34 AM GMT

Catholic prelates today joined President Benigno Aquino and the families of Maguindanao massacre victims in praising a Supreme Court decision to allow live media coverage of the trial of those alleged to have committed the massacre. Yesterday, the court upheld a petition from journalists, major broadcast networks and the families of the victims, demanding coverage. Auxiliary Bishop Bagaforo of Cotabato said the move would show the government is committed to promoting transparency in the case. “Our suspicions that the process might be lutong macao [a sham] are now gone because we will now see for ourselves how the trial progresses,” said Bishop Bagaforo on Church-run Radio Veritas 846. Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez of Kalookan, head of the Catholic bishops’ conference’s public affairs committee, said “it will help satisfy public curiosity and concerns.” President Aquino praised the court for listening to pleas from around the country. "We thank the Supreme Court for heeding our request and that of many of our countrymen for allowing live coverage of the trial. So we praise the Supreme Court for listening," he said. Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, whose wife and relatives were killed in the massacre, also expressed delight at the decision. “This is a welcome decision. The more eyes that follow the trial the better our fight for justice becomes,” he said. Fifty-eight people – 32 of them journalists – were killed on November 23, 2009 in the town of Ampatuan in Maguindanao while on their way to register Mangudadatu’s candidacy in gubernatorial elections in 2010. It is considered the worst election-related violence in Philippine history and the single worst mass killing of journalists anywhere in the world. Former Maguindanao governor, Andal Ampatuan senior and his son Andal junior are accused of masterminding the massacre. Almost 200 other defendants are also to go on trial for their alleged role in the killings.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia