NBI beefs up security for Maguindanao massacre case fiscals

Additional security personnel have been deployed to guard prosecutors handling the Maguindanao massacre case in light of the bomb attack in Tacurong City that apparently targeted Maguindanao Gov. Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu. Assistant Regional State Prosecutor Peter Medalle said he and his fellow prosecutors were informed about the security changes last Tuesday, immediately a day after the bombing which killed two people and injured six others. Other than saying security for them has been beefed up, Medalle refused to give further details on the matter. "Kung iyon ang ikakapanatag ng loob ng NBI, and if they think they can perform their duty better [with more personnel deployed], then it's okay with us," Medalle said on Thursday when asked about the decision of the National Bureau of Investigation's decision. The NBI is an attached agency of the Department of Justice, from which the public prosecutors come from. The bomb exploded and hit a passing black Toyota Fortuner owned by Maguindanao board member Datu Russman Sinsuat Sr. that was part of the Mangudadatu convoy. Sinsuat and a tricycle driver, who was also in the area at the time of the blast, were killed. Sinsuat’s son, Russman Jr., was seriously wounded, along with several others. The police have yet to determine the motive for the crime, but Mangudadatu believes he was the target of the attack. Inquest proceedings for double murder and multiple frustrated murder have already been held against the suspects on Thursday. Medalle assured the public that even if prosecutors in the massacre case get hurt or killed in connection with the case, "idealistic prosecutors will still come in and continue with case." The bombing incident has fueled more fear among relatives of the Maguindanao massacre victims, saying if a ranking official like Mangudadatu could be vulnerable to attack, so can regular individuals like them. Lawyer Harry Roque Jr., who represents families of 15 of the 57 victims in the carnage, said the government has never extended security assistance to his clients since the massacre happened on Nov. 23, 2009. The Ampatuans have repeatedly denied having any hand in the Tacurong blast, with the lawyer of suspended Autnomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Rizaly Ampatuan saying his client was once more being subjected under "trial by publicity." Sigfrid Fortun, legal counsel for principal suspects Andal Ampatuan Sr. and Andal Ampatuan Jr., said his clients were actually clueless about the attack. Fortun added that Mangudadatu would naturally have "many opponents" since he is a politician. — RSJ, GMA News