Maguindanao Representative Esmael Toto Mangudadatu said that the together with his family and relatives, they are thankful for the overwhelming support for the release of verdict on the 2009 Maguindanao massacre.
The verdict was handed down by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes in a 700-page decision today
Andal Unsay Ampatuan Jr, Zaldy Ampatuan, Anwar Ampatuan Sr., Anwar Ampatuan Jr, and Anwar Sajid Ampatuan were convicted and sentenced to reclusion perpetua.
Two Ampatuan members Sajid Islam Ampatuan and Akmad Tato Ampatuan Sr. were acquitted by the court.
“Bagama’t hindi lahat ng akusado ay nahatulan ng pagkakakulong, kami ay nagagalak pa rin dahil ang mga dapat masakdal ay nakatakda nang makulong ng habang-buhay,” Mangudadatu said.
He added that 10 years was worth the wait.
“Hindi po sapat ang mga salita upang maihayag ko ang aming taos-puso at lubos na pasasalamat sa Diyos at sa inyong panalangin para sa amin. Ang sampung taong paghihintay ay naging makabuluhan dahil tayo ang kinatigan ng hustisya,” Mangudadatu said.
He added that the guilty verdict only proved that the justice system in the country is alive.
