Ampatuan defense lawyers withdraw amid bribery allegations

MANILA, Philippines - Top defense lawyers have withdrawn from the Maguindanao massacre case even as bribery allegations continue to hound the prosecution.

But private prosecutor Harry Roque said the defense is again trying to delay the trial.

The STAR learned yesterday that the Fortun Narvasa & Salazar law firm representing principal accused Andal Ampatuan Sr. and his son Andal Jr., was the first to file a withdrawal of appearance before lunch yesterday.

The withdrawal was signed by senior partner Gregorio Narvasa II.

It was not clear if the entire law firm or only Narvasa has withdrawn from the case.

The other senior partner of the firm, Sigfrid Fortun, had no signature in the withdrawal of appearance.

The STAR tried to seek clarification on the matter, but Fortun would not answer text messages or calls.

A representative from the law firm, who answered a separate call, said they could not answer the query as Fortun and Narvasa were not available.

However, the withdrawal of appearance asked the  court to furnish notices of the case to the detention facility of their clients in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig.

Two hours later, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 received the withdrawal of appearance.

Lawyer Andres Manuel also filed a withdrawal of appearance for his 13 clients.

They are Moktar Daud, Mohades Ampatuan, Misuari Ampatuan, Macton Bilungan, Tato Sampogao, Taya Bangkulat, Salik Bangkulat, Ibrahim Kamal Tatak, Norman Tatak, Not Abdul, Abedin Alamada, Morales Sisay Amilol and Talembo Kahar Abdulrahman.

Shortly before end of office hours yesterday, the Real Brotarlo & Real law firm filed another withdrawal of appearance for accused Sajid Islam Ampatuan, Anwar Ampatuan Sr., Akmad “Tato” Ampatuan, Anwar “Datu Ipi” Ampatuan, Sajid Anwar “Datu Ulo” Ampatuan, Nasser Esmail, Nicomedes Amad Tolentino, Bulatukan Omar Kayansang, Datutulon Malaguial Esmael and Datukan Malang Salibo. – With Edu Punay, Jess Diaz