Maguindanao massacre marks five year anniversary without justice for victims

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MANILA, Nov. 23 — The wheel of justice is turning slow, and encountering more bumps, as Maguindanao massacre marks five year anniversary without justice for victims.

But Malacanang made an assurance on Saturday it will continue to do everything in its power to serve justice to the families of the victims of the Maguidanao massacre despite the mounting challenges.

In a radio interview, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte expressed her support to the families of the victims noting that the Palace also wants a speedy trial for them to attain justice.

The Palace official also recognized the extraordinary stumbling blocks ahead noting the complexity of the case.

For instance, she said that even after several years of trial, there are new witnesses who have not been included in the government witness protection program.

Asked to comment on criticisms that the Aquino government is not acting fast enough to fast track the trial, Valte said the Palace wishes the case to close soon.

“Again, the executive branch is not the only branch in play here in the case, and we can assure you that our efforts have been concentrated on pushing the case forward,” she added.

This Sunday is the fifth anniversary of the “Maguindanao Massacre”, which is considered as one of the worst election-related violence in the country.

Fifty eight people, mostly members of the media, were killed on November 23, 2009 in Ampatuan town of Maguindanao.

(Image credit: Arkibong Bayan)

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