Martin Burnham and Filipino nurse Deborah Yap were killed in that kidnapping incident.
For some two hours, an emotional Burnham narrated from the witness stand vivid details of their more than a year in captivity. The hearing started at around 8:45 a.m. and lasted until 11:45 a.m with two 10minute breaks.
Burnham arrived at the courtroom at 8:20 a.m. while the eight heavily-escorted Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members – Alhamzer Limbong, Muhamadiya Hanija, Dazid Baize, Abdulazzan Diamla, Alzen Jandul, Mamirin Mobassirin, Abu Khari Moctar and Bas Ismael — were ushered in 10 minutes later.
The arrested ASG members came from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) detention center in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig.
Senior State Prosecutor Aristotle Reyes said Burnham’s testimony and her positive identifications further strengthened their case against the ASG men. He added Burnham’s testimony collaborated with those given by the other victims.
Security was very tight during the entire hearing as members of the media were allowed only a specific place outside the gate of the Special Action Force (SAF) compound where the special courtroom was set up. Reporters were allowed into the room after the hearing, and after Burnham had left.
Providing the security were US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents, assisted by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) personnel, members of the various units of the NCRPO and the BJMP.
Only a wooden divider that enclosed the cubicle for the witness stand and the judge separated Burnham from her former captors who appeared relaxed during the hearing.
Burnham sometimes shed tears as she answered questions during the cross examination.
Also present were some representatives of the Department of Justice (DoJ).
After the hearing, the eight ASG men were first escorted out of the courtroom to the BJMP vehicle that took them back to their detention cells. Burnham and her security escorts stayed inside for a while. (Elena L. Aben)
Burnham testifies
American kidnapping victim Gracia Burnham yesterday identified six of the eight Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members who are responsible for abducting her and other tourists in Palawan in May 2001.
Burnham, whose husband Martin was killed during a bloody military rescue mission on June 7, 2002, yesterday testified before Pasig City Regional Trial Court Judge Lorifel Pahimna, RTC Branch 69 inside a special court in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig.
Burnham likewise recalled the days she spent with her captors. She said one member known as Kosovo was with Janjalani, Abu Sabaya and other ASG leaders when they walked through the jungle during their captivity.
She was generally calm and composed during the hearing but became emotional and broke into tears when a government prosecutor asked her if how she feels "now that her husband is gone."
Burnham’s testimony collaborated what other Filipino victims said when they testified earlier.
The Burnhams were the last foreigners held by the ASG from the hostages taken from Dos Palmas. Her captivity ended with a bloody Army rescue that left her husband Martin and Filipino nurse Deborah Yap dead.
For the hearing for next week, a forensic expert is expected to give testimony before the court. (Madelynne Dominguez)
