By Perfecto T. Raymundo Jr.
"We do not need him," Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila De Lima on Tuesday said of accused former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Zaldy Ampatuan, who was offering himself to testify against his father and siblings on the Maguindanao massacre trial.
The massacre claimed the lives of 57 civilians, including 15 women and 30 media practitioners in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao on Nov. 23, 2009.
Aside from Zaldy, also charged as principal accused were his father, former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr.; his brothers Datu Unsay, Maguindanao Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr.; former Maguindanao Acting Gov. Sajid Ampatuan; Akmad Ampatuan; Anwar Ampatuan; and 190 others.
They are now all locked up at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Detention Center in Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City.
Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 221 Presiding Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes hears the 57 counts of murder against the Ampatuans and the 190 others.
De Lima said, in a press conference, that "to become a state witness, one has to have some participation to the crime and to be discharged as an accused and become state witness, he must not appear to be the most guilty."
She also said that the offer of testimony could be supported by other evidence.
"Here, he (Zaldy) is not admitting participation. Malayo yan, especially he is saying that he is not part of the planning," De Lima said.
"What he is saying is contrary to our witnesses. Contrary yan sa mga witnesses who are saying otherwise," De Lima said.
"We are already in the thick of things. As things now stand, no, not possible, it’s really a rejection," De Lima said.
The suspended ARMM governor on Monday said that he was willing to testify against his family in connection with the 57 counts of murder charges.
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=42210.0
Topic: Zaldy Ampatuan Wants To Be a State Witness? (Read 780 times)