The Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists (FFFJ) on Wednesday called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to also file murder charges against the 4 cops stationed at the checkpoint in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao where the November 23 massacre happened.

FFFJ legal counsel Prima Quinsayas, who is handling cases of at least 3 journalists murdered, disagreed with the “case referral” submitted by the Criminal Investigation and Detective Group (CIDG) to the DOJ.

The CIDG included four cops under the list of witnesses, namely:

Chief Inspector Sukarno Dicay, who was deputy provincial director before he was relieved;

Inspector Rex Ariel Diongon, 1508th Maguindanao Mobile Group director; and, enlisted personnel identified only as Ong and Enante.

"The fact that they were there manning the checkpoints, under the rules of court, it is an admission of self interest. Whether they were there by force or by choice, the fact is they are public officers, and they can be held liable as principal or accomplice. We believe they should be indicted," Quinsayas said.

As officers, she said Diongon and Dicay, in particular, had "some degree of control in the putting up of those checkpoints.”

Dicay and Diongon earlier executed an affidavit saying they saw Ampatuan Jr. in the area where the convoy, led by Genalin Mangudadatu, wife of Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu, was stopped. Genalin was accompanied by other relatives, mostly female, and journalists and lawyers. (See story: (UPDATE 2) Maguindanao cops tag Ampatuans in massacre)

Thirty-one journalists were among the 57 victims in the country's worst election-related violence. It is also said to be the world's worst single attack against journalists.

So far, at least 40 murder indictments against Ampatuan Jr. have been filed before courts. The Supreme Court has ordered the transfer of his murder case to Quezon City. The case is to be re-raffled on Thursday after Judge Luisito Cortez of Branch 84 refused to accept the case due to security concerns.

A preliminary investigation is scheduled on December 18, Friday.

State witnesses?

Quinsayas said there may be an intention to turn the cops as state witnesses. However, they should still be charged, she said.

"Before they can turn state witness, they have to be indicted," she said.

The FFFJ also wrote Malacañang asking that the PNP-Intelligence Group (PNP-IG) should take over the investigation from the CIDG.

The letter, dated December 10 was received by Malacañang on Monday. It was addressed to President Arroyo, acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera, Interior and Local Government Sec. Ronaldo Puno, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Jesus Verzosa, and Commission  on Human Rights chair Leila De Lima.

"The CIDG is investigating its own people. It's institutional autonomy and integrity are compromised. It is self inflicted," said Melinda Quintos de Jesus of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility.

Quinsayas said she is happy with her previous experiences working with the PNP-IG. "They work quietly, not much hoopla and publicity. They giver us reliable investigative reports," she said.

Aside from the Maguindanao massacre, FFFJ is working on at least 10 active cases on killings of journalists. (abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak)

---

INTERACT WITH THIS ARTICLE