Pinoy journalists in UAE decry slow progress of Ampatuan trial

Filipino journalists based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) decried what they called the slow pace of the trial in the 2009 Ampatuan massacre case in the Philippines.   The Filipino Press Club in the UAE called for an expeditious conclusion of the case, which it said is taking a snail’s pace.   “The case brings back to life the country’s frayed social bonds, bolster the foundation of the rule of law and raise our people’s hope for the future where justice is achieved through the proper working of our institutions,” said Filipino Press Club president Ares Gutierrez, according to a report of Khaleej Times.   At least 57 people, 32 of them journalists, were killed in a massacre in Ampatuan town in Maguidanao province in Mindanao on November 23, 2009. A 58th victim is still missing.   The victims were on their way to file a certificate of candidacy for Maguindanao gubernatorial bet Esmael Mangudadatu, when they were intercepted and killed.   Khaleej Times noted it took 18 months to arraign Ampatuan patriarch Andal Sr. in a special court inside a Manila prison on June 1 this year.   The report also noted a Philippine lawmaker voiced fears that with nearly 200 people accused, the case may drag on for 200 years. - VVP, GMA News