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Mangudadatu: De Lima as DOJ chief will speed up resolution of massacre case


Maguindanao Governor-elect Datu Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu on Wednesday said appointing Commission on Human Rights chairperson Leila de Lima chief of the Department of Justice (DOJ) will speed up the resolution of the multiple murder case filed in connection with the killing of his wife and 56 other people last year. "Alam mo lalong titibay ngayon at lalong bibilis [ang pag-usad ng kaso] kapag si Leila de Lima na ang DOJ secretary (The case will be stronger and will be resolved faster with Leila de Lima as the DOJ secretary)," Mangudadatu told reporters in an interview at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) main office in Intramuros, Manila. Mangudadatu was referring to the murder of his wife, relatives, and more than 30 journalists by supposed armed supporters of the Ampatuans in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao on Nov. 23 last year. Multiple murder charges have been lodged against Andal Sr. and five other clan members and more than 190 members of civilian volunteer organizations believed to be under the control of the Ampatuans. On Tuesday, Mangudadatu revealed that a male "insider" from the Ampatuan clan has agreed to come forward as witness for the prosecution in the murder trial, supposedly beefing up their case. He likewise said he is "confident" that with the possible appointment of De Lima to the Justice department, the case would progress faster. "Alam niya ano yung nararamdaman... ng mga biktima (She would know how the victims feel)," he said. De Lima, however, remains tight-lipped about what position she was offered. But reports indicate that she was offered the DOJ portfolio reportedly upon the recommendation of retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno, who earlier turned down the offer. Excited Meanwhile, Mangudadatu said he is "excited" to assume his new post as Maguindanao governor. But because of security concerns at the current capitol in Shariff Aguak, he said he would temporarily hold office in Buluan, where he served as vice mayor. Shariff Aguak is a known bailiwick of the Ampatuans. "Alam mo lagi yang threat... so iiwas na lang tayo, ayoko yung nagkakagulo (You know the threat is always there, so I will just avoid it, I don't want any trouble)," he said. He said they plan to restore the old capitol building in Sultan Kudarat where he hopes to permanently hold office. "Yun naman ang dapat dun, dahil yoon ang talagang totoong kapitolyo (That's what we're supposed to do, because that is the real capitol)," he said. Mangudadatu was at the Comelec to "observe" a hearing for the declaration of failure of elections in some areas in Mindanao. — RSJ/KBK, GMANews.TV

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