MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte is hopeful that the courts would decide in favor of the families of the victims of the Maguindanao massacre, where 58 people were allegedly killed by the Ampatuan clan and their cohorts.
"He expressed optimism that the strength of the case against them — 188 respondents in all — will eventually lead to a verdict favorable to the victims," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.
On Thursday, the President met with the families of the massacre victims in Malacanang to mark the 8th anniversary of the incident that happened on November 23, 2009.
The President assured them "justice will be delivered under his watch."
Roque said the President instructed Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, who also chairs the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), along with state prosecutors, to ensure that a conviction is given to the principal accused in the earliest possible time.
As of the latest data, 58 counts of murder were filed against 188 accused, with 106 behind bars, three dead, two on bail, and one released through a writ of habeas corpus.
The President also ordered Special Assistant to the President, Secretary Christopher Go, to arrange employment, scholarships, and financial assistance to the families.
Roque said the families thanked the President during the meeting, adding it was cordial, candid, and impassioned.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Undersecretary Joel Egco, who also serves as PTFoMS executive director, was also present in the meeting.
Roque noted that Duterte, who was mayor at the time, was among the first to send help to the families by providing a helicopter, which found the site of the Maguindanao massacre.
It was allegedly masterminded by the Ampatuan clan to thwart the candidacy of Esmael Mangudadatu in the 2010 elections. Mangudadatu was seeking the gubernatorial against Andal Ampatuan Jr.
The incident left 32 media workers and 26 others dead.
Department of Justice Assistant Secretary Juvy Manwong earlier said the case might be resolved in four years, within the term of Duterte.
Roque also assured the government would work to ensure justice for all victims of violence against media personnel.
"We are committed to upholding the President’s promise that his government will never condone violence and repression of the media," he said. (PNA)
