10 cops accused in Maguindanao massacre seek bail, separate trial

Saying the prosecution has yet to present strong evidence against them, 10 policemen accused of taking part in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre are asking for a separate hearing to expedite the resolution of the cases against them. In a petition for bail filed on Monday, lawyer Adilberto Valdez Golla Jr. stressed that holding a separate trial for his 10 clients — all from the 1508th Provincial Mobile Group in Maguindanao — will ensure that their constitutional right to a speedy trial will not be further violated, given that they have already been in jail for almost two years. "From the time they were arraigned up to this time (1 year and 8 months), accused were in jail waiting for the prosecution to present evidence as to their participation in the offense charged," the petitioners stressed. At the same time, the 10 policemen, according to their lawyer, should be allowed to post bail "considering the fact that the evidence of the prosecution as to their guilt for the crime charged is not strong." Principal suspects Andal Ampatuan Sr. and Andal Ampatuan Jr. have both separately filed a petition for bail, but the court has yet to resolve their requests. "The above mentioned accused believed that a motion for separate trial is the best way to expedite the proceedings in the case by invoking their constitutional rights of speedy trial and speedy disposition of the case," the petition read. The policemen petitioning for bail are: