Ampatuans ordered to find new lawyers

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City judge handling the Maguindanao massacre trial ordered 25 suspects, including members of the Ampatuan clan, to identify lawyers after their counsels simultaneously withdrew from the multiple murder case. 

"In view of the foregoing, accused are directed to immediately engage the services of new counsels who will assist them in these cases," read the one-page order issued Friday by Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes. 

The order was issued a day after the Fortun Narvasa & Salazar (FNS) law office, Manuel law office, and Real Brotarlo & Real (RBR) law firm filed withdrawals of appearance in behalf of their 25 clients. 

Gregorio Narvasa II, signed the withdrawal for FNS, which represents primary suspects Andal Ampatuan Sr. and his son Andal Jr. Lawyer Andres Manuel also filed a withdrawal of appearance for his 13 clients: 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.

RBR withdrew appearance for suspects 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.

No reason was stated on why the defense lawyers have withdrawn from the case.

The STAR tried to get the side of the defense lawyers, but representatives from the law firms said no one was available to answer queries. 

The withdrawals were filed even as the defense is set to start presenting their evidence in support of the bail petition of some of the accused.

In June, the FNS already withdrew its appearance for former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Zaldy Ampatuan. The Heffron Esguerra Dy & De Jesus firm took over for Zaldy.

The withdrawals were filed amid bribery allegations that have resulted in rift among prosecutors handling the case.

Sought for comment, private prosecutor Harry Roque said that the move of the defense is yet again another strategy to delay the trial. 

He said it could affect the proceedings at the time when they are set to file their formal offer. He said the case could not proceed if the defense will not be able to comment on the offer. 

Roque added that "it's too much of a coincidence" that the defense decided withdraw from the case after private prosecutors Nena Santos and Prima Quinsayas failed to stop them from resting the case against some of the accused. 

"We will not be derailed," he told The STAR on Thursday.