MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Many are puzzled why one Ampatuan in Datu Sajid Islam was acquitted by Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes in Thursday’s much-anticipated promulgation of the verdict over the 10-year case.
While his brothers Andal Jr. and Zaldy were meted with reclusion Perpetua without parole sentences along with relatives Datu Anwar Sajid, Datu Anwar Jr, and Datu Anwar Sr over 57 counts of murder, Datu Sajid Islam was acquitted due to reasonable doubt.
And Sajid was not present during the promulgation but Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes gave him five (5) days to explain why he should not be cited for contempt of court for his “failure to appear despite notice.”
Mohamad Sangki, a witness who said he was ordered by Datu Andal Jr to “prepare” the premises in Ampatuan, Maguindanao, which turned out to be the massacre site, was also acquitted.
On that fateful day of August 23, 2009, 58 people died including 32 journalists who were invited to cover Toto Mangudadatu’s filing of his gubernatorial candidacy against the Ampatuans.
The historic judgment was covered live by accredited media from inside a tightly-secured courtroom in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.
The victims were all part of a convoy that accompanied relatives who were to file then the certificate of candidacy of then- Maguindanao governor aspirant Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu.
The carnage is considered the deadliest attack on journalists in the world, and the worst election-related violence in Philippine history. (IAMIGO/CNS)
