KALIBO, Aklan – Despite the conviction of some of the major suspects of the 2009 Maguindanao massacre, the families of the two victims here sought full justice as they urged government authorities to intensify the manhunt against the fugitives in the bloody incident.
Town councilor Roger Oquendo of Altavas, Aklan said victims Cynthia Oquendo and her father Catalino were his relatives.
Cynthia was one of the lawyers of Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu when they were ambushed ten years ago.
Her sister Atty. Gemma represented the victims during the court hearings.
“I am satisfied with the court decision. I hope that other suspects could still be arrested,” Gemma said.
The case’s primary suspect Datu Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan Jr., as well as Zaldy and Datu Anwar Sr. Ampatuan were found guilty for the deaths of 57 people – including over 30 media workers – in the mass killing. The body of the 58th victim, photojournalist Reynaldo Momay, was never found, so all of the accused were acquitted of murder in connection with his death.
They were sentenced to reclusion perpetua or a maximum of 40 years in prison without benefit of parole. The Ampatuans’ camp, however, said they would appeal the court’s decision.(With CNN Philippines/PN)
