By Leslie Aquino
Ozamis Archbishop Martin Jumoad welcomed the verdict handed down by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court that found several members of the influential Ampatuan clan and others guilty of multiple murder in the Maguindanao massacre.
Ozamis Archbishop elect Martin Jumoad (Veritas/ MANILA BULLETIN)
“The heavens have heard the cry of the poor… No one can escape the justice of God. So be it. The court of the land has spoken," he said in an interview on Thursday.
"We salute the verdict," he added. "It is a reminder to criminals that there are laws which will run after them."
The Mindanao prelate expressed his hope that judges will always render decisions based on proofs and evidences presented, adding that he hopes those acquitted are really innocent.
Among those found guilty of murder were Ampatuan family members Datu Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan Jr., Zaldy Ampatuan, and Anwar Ampatuan Sr.
In November 2009, 58 people, including 32 members of the media, were brutally killed in the town of Ampatuan, Maguindanao.