MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Leila de Lima directed Tuesday the inclusion of Buluan (Maguindanao) Mayor Ibrahim “Diong” Mangudadatu as a respondent behind the shooting and wounding of Maguindanao provincial prosecutor Akilali P. Balt following the extrajudicial confession of the alleged triggerman tagging him as the mastermind.

De Lima created a panel of prosecutors to conduct the preliminary investigation (PI) of the case, insofar as Mayor Mangudadatu is concerned.

“He (Mayor Mangudadatu) will be subpoenaed for PI,” De Lima told reporters during a regular press briefing.

In a department order (DO), De Lima directed the panel to file the appropriate information in the proper court, and handle its active prosecution, if evidence warrants.

The panel is composed of Assistant State Prosecutor Vimar M. Barcellano, Prosecution Attorneys Gerard E. Gaerlan and Mark Roland S. Estepa.

“Maguindanao prosecutor’s chance of survival is very nil. He is comatose. The gunman Akmad Makakena Maliga confessed (the) mastermind, pointed to Mayor Ibrahim Diong Mangudadatu,” said Secretary De Lima.

De Lima directed Prosecutor General Claro Arellano to monitor the case. “I also directed to monitor condition of Prosecutor Balt. I issued DO, creating panel of prosecutors to handle case People of the Philippines vs. Akmad Makakena Maliga, John Does, and preliminary case. Kasama na sa respondent Diong Mangudadatu,” she said.

The Justice Secretary also directed the prosecution to file a motion with the Regional Trial Court (RTC) for the transfer of custody of the arrested triggerman to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).