Ten years after the Maguindanao massacre took place on Nov. 23, 2009, 80 other accused, “mostly shooters,” have managed to evade arrest and prosecution.
Nena Santos, a private prosecutor representing 38 of the 58 victims, said the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 will read the verdict to only 107 respondents “since 80 others remain at large.”
When asked about the extent of their participation in the crime, she told the Manila Standard that “most of them were shooters from the military, police and civilian volunteer organizations.”
“Should they be arrested, they would face trial,” she said.
“They cannot be tried in absentia since they have not faced arraignment.”
All surnamed Ampatuan, 15 members of the principal accused, the late Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., remain scot-free.
One of them is the governor’s brother, Datu Kanor Ampatuan, as well as his son.
At least 58 people, including 32 journalists, were killed and buried alive while on their way to Shariff Aguak on Nov. 23, 2009 when armed men accosted and attacked them.
