Update on Maguindanao massacre Puno vows security for judge in massacre case,

MANILA, Philippines - Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno on Wednesday
vowed to give ample security to the Quezon City judge who will try the murder
case of Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr.
Puno gave the assurance to 24
judges of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) after one of their own,
Judge Luisito Cortez of Branch 84, refused to accept the case due to security
concerns.
In a meeting on Wednesday, Puno reminded the 24 RTC judges that
inhibiting from the case would diminish confidence in the country's judicial
system. He said the Philippine National Police will provide round-the-clock
security to the judge, as well as the judge's family handling the case.
The
Supreme Court earlier granted the Department of Justice's request to transfer
the venue of the multiple murder case from Cotabato City to Quezon City due to
possible security threats to prosecutors and witnesses.
It was learned that
out of 24 judges of the RTC, most were reluctant from taking the case of
Ampatuan. The case is connected to the massacre of 57 innocent civilians in
Ampatuan, Maguindanao last November 23, which is the worst election-related
killing in Philippine history.
During the meeting, Cortez gave several
reasons for turning down the Ampatuan massacre case after it was raffled off to
his sala.
Aside from concern for his family's security, he said his heavy
case workload in handling two branches would hinder him from giving ample time
to the case.
He also cited previous experiences of an ambush and death
threats from handling sensational cases. Cortez survived an assassination
attempt while serving a stint in Plaridel, Bulacan. He has also received death
threats after he took on the case of murdered Abra Congressman Luis “Chito”
Bersamin.
Cortez said he is ready to be castigated by the court for his
decision. He said he followed the process on inhibition. He also said he is
handling many celebrated cases. He said Ampatuan is not the only taxpayer, and
in his personal assessment, there are other cases that also deserve equal
attention.
Puno clarified that there is still no threat to the life of Cortez
so it cannot be said that he inhibited because he was afraid. He said the Court
en banc will study if Cortez's decision for inhibiting from the case is valid
and does not constitute dereliction of duty.
Asked if Cortez's reasons are
acceptable to the Supreme Court, he said this will be on a case-to-case
basis.
The judges agreed that existing rules and processes will be followed
and a re-raffling of the case will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. They also gave
their commitment to the Chief Justice that they would not inhibit themselves
from trying the murder case.
The chief justice said he is planning to visit
courts in General Santos City, Cotabato City and Sultan Kudarat to provide moral
support to judges who will handle the numerous court cases being filed against
the Ampatuans and their supporters.

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