SC okays Ampatuan coverage
Supreme Court spokesman Brian Keith Hosaka said strict security measures will be implemented as around 400 individuals, including relatives of the parties, counsels, members of the media and the court’s staff are expected at the proceedings
The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday allowed the live broadcast and media coverage of the promulgation of the decision on the Maguindanao massacre case on 19 December in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
But SC spokesman Brian Keith Hosaka said strict security measures will be implemented as around 400 individuals, including relatives of the parties, counsels, members of the media and the court’s staff are expected at the proceedings. Mediamen will not be allowed in the actual courtroom due to limited space. A designated area will be prepared for them.
Hosaka said the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), will be on top of the security measures to be implemented during the promulgation.
“In fact, I am scheduled to meet with them later this week because after discussing this matter with the media, I will have to talk to them about the security concerns,” Hosaka explained. “Whether the gadgets will be allowed inside the media room, that would still be finalized via the guidelines,” the SC spokesman said. “So if you would need that we will suggest that to the security experts. Depending on their assessment of the situation, they will inform us. But definitely, with respect to security measures we will leave it up to the experts,” he added.
In a letter to PTV General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Ms. Julieta Claveria-Lacza, Hosaka asked the government network to provide technical support and make the footage available for hook up to other news outfit.
At least 58 individuals that included 32 print journalist were killed along with the group of now Maguindanao Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu. His party was to file his papers to run for the gubernatorial post in Maguindanao when the group of his rival Andal Ampatuan Jr — son of then governor Andal Ampatuan Sr — pounced on its convoy.
The victims were buried in hastily-dug grave.
Promulgation was expected last month, Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes, presiding judge of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 handling the case, asked the SC for an additional time before coming up with decision.