Part of a grand plan? FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 04/19/2010

Part of a grand plan?

FRONTLINE

Ninez Cacho-Olivares

04/19/2010

From the start, it was evident that the murder charges, along with rebellion charges against the Ampatuans were very weak, and likely to be thrown out.

The reason was fairly clear early on: At the time of the massacre, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan had a fool-proof alibi: He was in Malacañang and having a meeting when the massacre was ongoing. This was pretty much recorded, as even presidential adviser Gabby Claudio was heard by media stating that Zaldy was with him in Malacañang having a meeting.

Zaldy and his father, Andal Sr., were alleged to be the brains behind the massacre, along with Andal Jr. But this is charge is pretty hard to prove, especially in a conspiracy case. As things stood, there was said to be just one witness claiming that Zaldy and one more Ampatuan were behind the slaughter.

The case against Andal Sr. and Jr., may be a bit different, but even that may be too difficult to prove in the end.... MORE


Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100419com2.html