Maguindanao massacre
Published Dec 17, 2019 12:00 am
By Chito Chavez
The fate of the 197 accused in the infamous November 23, 2009 Maguindanao massacre case hangs in the balance as the world anxiously awaits the verdict of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes which will be made public tomorrow, Dec. 19, at 9 a.m. at the Quezon City jail annex in Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City. The incident has been described as the worst single election-related mass murder involving journalists. Here is a timeline of events during the 10-year trial.
(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
November 23, 2009
Fifty-eight people, including 32 media practitioners, were killed in Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao. Majority of the victims were part of the convoy who were on their way to the Comelec provincial office in Shariff Aguak town to file the certificate of candidacy (COC) of then Buluan town Vice-Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu. Aside from the 32 mediamen, the group also included more than 20 women. The powerful Ampatuan clan was the prime suspect in the carnage as Mangudadatu was running against Andal Ampatuan Jr. son of then Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. Mangundadatu and Ampatuan were former allies but had a bitter falling out.
November 24, 2009
After the bloody incident, then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo placed the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato City under a state of emergency to prevent the occurrence of similar incidents.
November 25, 2009
The number of deaths was recorded at 57 as more bodies were dug up in shallow graves dug by a backhoe in the hills of Barangay Salman; lawmakers call for an immediate probe on the bloody incident.
November 26, 2009
After surrendering to then presidential adviser for Mindanao affairs Jesus Dureza, then Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. was brought to Manila from General Santos City, and was initially detained at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Authorities reveal 15 motorists who were part of the convoy was stopped by heavily armed men and were also killed.
December 1, 2009
After state prosecutors recommended the filing of charges against Ampatuan Jr., the Department of Justice (DOJ) then filed 25 counts of murder against Ampatuan Jr before the Cotabato City Regional Trial Court (RTC). Mangudadatu meanwhile proceeded to file his COC for governor.
December 1, 2009
The police found a man who supposedly heard Ampataun Jr. and his group hatching up the plan to stop the convoy of Mangudadatu from filing his COC; authorities discovered numerous high powered arms in the mansion of Andal Ampatuan Sr.
December 2, 2009
Prosecutors indicted Ampatuan Sr. and seven members of his clan. Later, Maguindanao was placed under martial law through Proclamation No. 1959. The arrested suspects included another Ampatuan Sr. son Zaldy.
December 8, 2009
The Supreme Court granted the request of the DOJ to transfer the case from Cotabato City to Quezon City.
December 9, 2009
Witnesses claimed that Ampatuan Jr. shot the victims one by one with his baby Armalite to ensure their death.
December 11, 2009
Multiple murder charges were filed against 100 new suspects who were members of the Civilian Volunteer Organization who had pledged loyalty to the Ampatuan clan.
December 15, 2009
The case was initially raffled to Judge Luisito Cortez who eventually inhibited citing security reasons for his family and staff. The case was re-raffled and went to the sala of Quezon City RTC Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes.
January 5, 2010
Ampatuan Jr is arraigned and pleads not guilty to 48 counts of murder. A week later the Supreme Court grants the motion of DOJ to transfer the rebellion case against the Ampatuans to Quezon City.
January 13, 2010
Ampatuan Vice Mayor Rasul Sangki testified and tagged Ampatuan Jr. in the massacre. Two weeks later, Mangudadatu testified that the administration was aware of Ampatuan’s violent demeanor and who tried to convince him not to run for governor.
February 3, 2010
Ampatuan Jr. pleaded “not guilty” to the murder charge. Six days later, his lawyer filed a motion asking Reyes to inhibit from the case. The hearing was postponed to February 24.
February 9, 2010
A Manila panel filed 56 amended murder informations against Ampatuan Jr and 196 accused which included Ampatuan Sr.
March 10, 2010
An administrative complaint was filed before the National Police Commission (Napolcom) seeking to dismiss 20 policemen and the suspension of 11 others.
March 25, 2010
The court orders the immediate arrest of all the 197 suspects. It also dismissed the charges of rebellion against the Ampatuan clan days after.
March 29, 2010
The Quezon City court citing lack of evidence dismissed the rebellion charged against Andal Ampatuan Sr. and six other members of his family.
April 15, 2010
Ampatuan Jr. was transferred to the BJMP detention cell in Camp Bagong Diwa. Two days later then Acting DOJ Secretary Alberto Agra announced that Zaldy and Akmad Ampatuan will be removed from the list of the accused.
April 21, 2010
The administration instructed Agra to review his decision. But Agra maintained his stand and denied allegations he was bribed by the Ampatuans in exchange for the favorable decision. On April 26, 2010 Agra reversed his decision.
June 14, 2010
Prosecution witness Suwaib “Jesse’’ Upham who claimed to have knowledge of the massacre was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Parang, Maguindanao.
August 31, 2010
The Quezon City court handling the case opens the Maguindanao massacre trial with close to 200 accused and more than 500 witnesses. The late former Senator Joker Arroyo said with the long list of accused and witnesses, the case might be resolved in 200 years.
September 1, 2010
Judge Reyes delayed the hearing as the victims accused her of siding with the defense. A week later the trial resumed with Lakmudin Saliao, the house help of the Ampatuans testified the Ampatuan clan hatched the massacre over dinner on November 17, 2009. In the succeeding hearing on September 15, 2010, Saliao claimed that Ampatuan Sr. ordered the release of at least P30 million on bribes including P10-million for Dureza in exchange for his release from custody.
October 7, 2010
The Court of Appeals denied Zaldy’s motion to instantly resolve his earlier petition asking the DOJ to reverse its resolution reinstating him as an accused in the multiple murder case.
November 17, 2010
President Aquino asked the Supreme Court to allow the live coverage of the hearing.
November 23, 2010
The first anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre is remembered.
January 31, 2011
The CA junked Zaldy’s appeal for his exclusion as an accused in the case.
March 9, 2011
DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima issues Department Order No. 172 beefing the prosecution panel to prevent the “rift” among those involved from worsening, adding that the original members of the panel “lacked zeal.”
May 3, 2011
Judge Reyes rejected the request of Ampatuan Sr. for confinement in a hospital. However, Reyes ordered a doctor to check on the medical complaint of the accused.
June 1, 2011
Ampatuan Sr. is arraigned and pleaded “not guilty” of masterminding the carnage.
June 14, 2011
The Supreme Court allows live media coverage of the Maguindanao massacre trial; coverage guidelines released.
July 7, 2011
The legal team of Zaldy Ampatuan said their client was not anymore interested in turning state witness. Four days later, he expressed willingness to testify and speak of the truth even if this will pin down his father and brother.
July 21, 2011
The Court of Appeals denies appeal of Andal Sr. to be dropped from the list of the accused in the massacre case.
November 23, 2011
In marking the second anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre, relatives of the victims trooped to the court attended the hearing and asked Reyes to expedite the trial of the case.
March 9, 2012
Ampatuan Sr. is rushed to the hospital after vomiting blood. On March 23, 2011 he was back in prison after the court ordered his discharge from the military hospital.
March 12, 2012
Private prosecutor Nena Santos announced that state witness Esmael Enog was killed. During the trial, Enog claimed to have driven at least 36 armed men in two batches to the site of the killing.
July 6. 2012
Reyes expressed hope to come up with the verdict before the end President Aquino’s term.
September 26, 2012
The prosecution files charges in relation to the murder of Reynaldo Momay – the 58th victim.
October 23, 2012
The Supreme Court reverses its decision allowing live media coverage of the trial. It granted the motion for reconsideration of the Ampatuan camp after Andal Jr, one of the principal accused, argued that showing the proceedings live violates his right to due process.
December 10, 2013
The Supreme Court issues guidelines to speed up the massacre trial proceedings. In a resolution, the High Court ordered Reyes to require remaining witnesses from both the prosecution and defense panels to submit judicial affidavits instead of direct testimonies at least 10 days before the scheduled date of testimony.
December 13, 2012
Zaldy Ampatuan was arraigned and pleaded “not guilty” to the murder charges.
March 2014
The prosecution rested its case against the 28 suspects.
June 2014
The Fortun, Narvasa and Salazar law firm formally withdraws as counsel of the Ampatuans.
September 2014
Atty. Salvador Panelo now the presidential legal counsel and presidential spokesperson joins the Ampatuan Jr’s legal team. In 2015, Panelo withdrew from the case due to "personal reasons.” , Firdausi Abbas became Ampatuan Sr’s new counsel.
October 13, 2014
The Quezon City court granted the petition for bail of 16 police officers accused, with bail set at P11.6 million for all.
November 18, 2014
Dennix Sakal a witness in the massacre was killed and another was injured in an ambush in Shariff Aguak town. Sakal died from multiple gunshot wounds while Butch Saudagal was injured. Both were former employees of Ampatuan Jr.
(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
November 23, 2009
Fifty-eight people, including 32 media practitioners, were killed in Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao. Majority of the victims were part of the convoy who were on their way to the Comelec provincial office in Shariff Aguak town to file the certificate of candidacy (COC) of then Buluan town Vice-Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu. Aside from the 32 mediamen, the group also included more than 20 women. The powerful Ampatuan clan was the prime suspect in the carnage as Mangudadatu was running against Andal Ampatuan Jr. son of then Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. Mangundadatu and Ampatuan were former allies but had a bitter falling out.
November 24, 2009
After the bloody incident, then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo placed the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato City under a state of emergency to prevent the occurrence of similar incidents.
November 25, 2009
The number of deaths was recorded at 57 as more bodies were dug up in shallow graves dug by a backhoe in the hills of Barangay Salman; lawmakers call for an immediate probe on the bloody incident.
November 26, 2009
After surrendering to then presidential adviser for Mindanao affairs Jesus Dureza, then Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. was brought to Manila from General Santos City, and was initially detained at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Authorities reveal 15 motorists who were part of the convoy was stopped by heavily armed men and were also killed.
December 1, 2009
After state prosecutors recommended the filing of charges against Ampatuan Jr., the Department of Justice (DOJ) then filed 25 counts of murder against Ampatuan Jr before the Cotabato City Regional Trial Court (RTC). Mangudadatu meanwhile proceeded to file his COC for governor.
December 1, 2009
The police found a man who supposedly heard Ampataun Jr. and his group hatching up the plan to stop the convoy of Mangudadatu from filing his COC; authorities discovered numerous high powered arms in the mansion of Andal Ampatuan Sr.
December 2, 2009
Prosecutors indicted Ampatuan Sr. and seven members of his clan. Later, Maguindanao was placed under martial law through Proclamation No. 1959. The arrested suspects included another Ampatuan Sr. son Zaldy.
December 8, 2009
The Supreme Court granted the request of the DOJ to transfer the case from Cotabato City to Quezon City.
December 9, 2009
Witnesses claimed that Ampatuan Jr. shot the victims one by one with his baby Armalite to ensure their death.
December 11, 2009
Multiple murder charges were filed against 100 new suspects who were members of the Civilian Volunteer Organization who had pledged loyalty to the Ampatuan clan.
December 15, 2009
The case was initially raffled to Judge Luisito Cortez who eventually inhibited citing security reasons for his family and staff. The case was re-raffled and went to the sala of Quezon City RTC Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes.
January 5, 2010
Ampatuan Jr is arraigned and pleads not guilty to 48 counts of murder. A week later the Supreme Court grants the motion of DOJ to transfer the rebellion case against the Ampatuans to Quezon City.
January 13, 2010
Ampatuan Vice Mayor Rasul Sangki testified and tagged Ampatuan Jr. in the massacre. Two weeks later, Mangudadatu testified that the administration was aware of Ampatuan’s violent demeanor and who tried to convince him not to run for governor.
February 3, 2010
Ampatuan Jr. pleaded “not guilty” to the murder charge. Six days later, his lawyer filed a motion asking Reyes to inhibit from the case. The hearing was postponed to February 24.
February 9, 2010
A Manila panel filed 56 amended murder informations against Ampatuan Jr and 196 accused which included Ampatuan Sr.
March 10, 2010
An administrative complaint was filed before the National Police Commission (Napolcom) seeking to dismiss 20 policemen and the suspension of 11 others.
March 25, 2010
The court orders the immediate arrest of all the 197 suspects. It also dismissed the charges of rebellion against the Ampatuan clan days after.
March 29, 2010
The Quezon City court citing lack of evidence dismissed the rebellion charged against Andal Ampatuan Sr. and six other members of his family.
April 15, 2010
Ampatuan Jr. was transferred to the BJMP detention cell in Camp Bagong Diwa. Two days later then Acting DOJ Secretary Alberto Agra announced that Zaldy and Akmad Ampatuan will be removed from the list of the accused.
April 21, 2010
The administration instructed Agra to review his decision. But Agra maintained his stand and denied allegations he was bribed by the Ampatuans in exchange for the favorable decision. On April 26, 2010 Agra reversed his decision.
June 14, 2010
Prosecution witness Suwaib “Jesse’’ Upham who claimed to have knowledge of the massacre was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Parang, Maguindanao.
August 31, 2010
The Quezon City court handling the case opens the Maguindanao massacre trial with close to 200 accused and more than 500 witnesses. The late former Senator Joker Arroyo said with the long list of accused and witnesses, the case might be resolved in 200 years.
September 1, 2010
Judge Reyes delayed the hearing as the victims accused her of siding with the defense. A week later the trial resumed with Lakmudin Saliao, the house help of the Ampatuans testified the Ampatuan clan hatched the massacre over dinner on November 17, 2009. In the succeeding hearing on September 15, 2010, Saliao claimed that Ampatuan Sr. ordered the release of at least P30 million on bribes including P10-million for Dureza in exchange for his release from custody.
October 7, 2010
The Court of Appeals denied Zaldy’s motion to instantly resolve his earlier petition asking the DOJ to reverse its resolution reinstating him as an accused in the multiple murder case.
November 17, 2010
President Aquino asked the Supreme Court to allow the live coverage of the hearing.
November 23, 2010
The first anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre is remembered.
January 31, 2011
The CA junked Zaldy’s appeal for his exclusion as an accused in the case.
March 9, 2011
DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima issues Department Order No. 172 beefing the prosecution panel to prevent the “rift” among those involved from worsening, adding that the original members of the panel “lacked zeal.”
May 3, 2011
Judge Reyes rejected the request of Ampatuan Sr. for confinement in a hospital. However, Reyes ordered a doctor to check on the medical complaint of the accused.
June 1, 2011
Ampatuan Sr. is arraigned and pleaded “not guilty” of masterminding the carnage.
June 14, 2011
The Supreme Court allows live media coverage of the Maguindanao massacre trial; coverage guidelines released.
July 7, 2011
The legal team of Zaldy Ampatuan said their client was not anymore interested in turning state witness. Four days later, he expressed willingness to testify and speak of the truth even if this will pin down his father and brother.
July 21, 2011
The Court of Appeals denies appeal of Andal Sr. to be dropped from the list of the accused in the massacre case.
November 23, 2011
In marking the second anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre, relatives of the victims trooped to the court attended the hearing and asked Reyes to expedite the trial of the case.
March 9, 2012
Ampatuan Sr. is rushed to the hospital after vomiting blood. On March 23, 2011 he was back in prison after the court ordered his discharge from the military hospital.
March 12, 2012
Private prosecutor Nena Santos announced that state witness Esmael Enog was killed. During the trial, Enog claimed to have driven at least 36 armed men in two batches to the site of the killing.
July 6. 2012
Reyes expressed hope to come up with the verdict before the end President Aquino’s term.
September 26, 2012
The prosecution files charges in relation to the murder of Reynaldo Momay – the 58th victim.
October 23, 2012
The Supreme Court reverses its decision allowing live media coverage of the trial. It granted the motion for reconsideration of the Ampatuan camp after Andal Jr, one of the principal accused, argued that showing the proceedings live violates his right to due process.
December 10, 2013
The Supreme Court issues guidelines to speed up the massacre trial proceedings. In a resolution, the High Court ordered Reyes to require remaining witnesses from both the prosecution and defense panels to submit judicial affidavits instead of direct testimonies at least 10 days before the scheduled date of testimony.
December 13, 2012
Zaldy Ampatuan was arraigned and pleaded “not guilty” to the murder charges.
March 2014
The prosecution rested its case against the 28 suspects.
June 2014
The Fortun, Narvasa and Salazar law firm formally withdraws as counsel of the Ampatuans.
September 2014
Atty. Salvador Panelo now the presidential legal counsel and presidential spokesperson joins the Ampatuan Jr’s legal team. In 2015, Panelo withdrew from the case due to "personal reasons.” , Firdausi Abbas became Ampatuan Sr’s new counsel.
October 13, 2014
The Quezon City court granted the petition for bail of 16 police officers accused, with bail set at P11.6 million for all.
November 18, 2014
Dennix Sakal a witness in the massacre was killed and another was injured in an ambush in Shariff Aguak town. Sakal died from multiple gunshot wounds while Butch Saudagal was injured. Both were former employees of Ampatuan Jr.