Maguindanao massacre suspect appeals to become a state witness

A militiaman and suspect in the Maguindanao massacre case, Esmael Canapia, will testify in front of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (QC RTC) today in his bid to be instated as a state witness.

 

The motion, filed by the Prosecution, sought to overturn an earlier decision made by the QC RTC which denied the bids of Inspector Ariel Diongon, Police Officer Rainer Ebus and militiaman Mohammad Sangki to become state witnesses in the trial. Prosecution lawyers argued that Diongon and Canapia’s testimonies were necessary to identify those involved in the November 23, 2009 massacre of 58 people in Maguindanao.

 

The International Federation of Journalists Asia Pacific supports its affiliate the National Union of Journalists Philippines in asking the courts to reject Esmael Canapia’s request. Appeals by the militia to testify against Ampatuan family members is seen as an attempt to protect those behind the massacre.

 

 

The 1000th Day anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre, the single worst attack against journalists, was commemorated this week in the Philippines.

 

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0918

 

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 131 countries

 

Find the IFJ on Twitter: @ifjasiapacific

 

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