MANILA – Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu wants suspects behind the Maguindanao massacre to be convicted.
Mangudadatu, now the 2nd District Representative of Maguindanao, changed his tune recently on forgiving the suspects – which allegedly include the Ampatuan clan – after being convinced by his children to move on.
The massacre killed Mangudadatu’s wife, relatives, supporters, and dozens of journalists exactly 10 years ago today.
“Nung sinabi ng mga anak ko na ‘Pa, mag-move on ka na dahil walang katapusang problema ‘yung papasanin mo,’” Mangudadatu said.
“Naka-move on na rin pero ang inaasam-asam natin (ay) ‘yung hustisya. At kung tanungin niyo ko kung napatawad, napatawad ko na sila,” he added. “Hindi naman lahat ng Ampatuan ay masama.”
On Nov. 23, 2009, a convoy composed of relatives, supporters and media were on their way to file Mangudadatu’s certificate of candidacy for the 2010 elections when they were stopped by armed men, driven to a hill, shot, and buried in shallow pits.
Fifty-eight people, including 32 journalists and six motorists who were not part of the convoy, were killed in what is the worst case of election-related violence in Philippine history.
Quezon City Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes, who oversaw the 9-year trial, is expected to issue a decision before Dec. 20.
“Ako, kampante ako na makukuha natin ang favorable decision from the judges,” Mangudadatu said. “‘Pag wala, ako magre-resign.”
“Hindi naman. Kasi as much as possible ayaw namin ng ganun. Kaya nga ako nag-chairman ng reconciliation and unification committee eh kasi ayoko ng ganun eh,” added Mangudadatu./PN
