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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Family of slain farmer in Samar in 2017 seeks case update from DOJ

Family of slain farmer in Samar in 2017 seeks case update from DOJ

Published Aug 20, 2026 06:42 pm
The family of a farmer who was killed in an ambush in Samar called on Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Fredderick Vida to provide an update on the status of the case amid fears of injustice for an incident that happened nearly a decade ago.
In a statement, the family of slain farmer Enrique Manas Sr. said that while they respect due process and the rights of all parties, they expressed hope that the decision made under then DOJ secretary and now Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla would stand.
Last year, Remulla ordered the filing of cases against three people tagged in the killing, one of them is a former gubernatorial candidate in Samar.
The decision was based on the investigation and review conducted by the DOJ through the evidentiary standard advanced under Remulla's initiative wherein prosecutors are required to determine whether the evidence meets the threshold of “reasonable certainty of conviction” before a criminal case is filed in court.
Manas was killed in Barangay Bahay in Sta. Margarita town in 2017, and his death was linked to his being a political supporter of a rival political personality.
“The is seeking neither special treatment nor prejudgment of the accused, but simply the opportunity for the case to proceed in accordance with law and for justice to be served for their slain family member,” the statement said.
The case was already received by a local court but one of the accused had filed a motion for reconsideration before the DOJ.
Following the latest legal measure, the Manas family is now seeking an update on the status of the motion and asked the DOJ on whether or not their lawyers have furnished a copy of the motion and were given an opportunity to submit their comment or position.
The Manas family also appealed for the DOJ to allow the case to proceed to court, if there is no legal impediment.
They said the court is the best forum where the evidence of all sides can be fully heard and examined and the appropriate judicial process can take its course.
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