TACURONG CITY, SULTAN KUDARAT – For 8 months, family and friends of the 57 people who were massacred in Ampatuan, Maguindanao have been waiting for justice.

On Saturday, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila de Lima brought them renewed hope as she paid them a visit in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat.

Maguindanao Gov. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu was among those de Lima visited.

“Hanggang ngayon ‘di ko pa rin kaya puntahan yung massacre site. Masakit pa rin alalahahin,” said Mangudadatu, whose wife, sister and some relatives were killed in the November 23 massacre.

De Lima promised the families that she will deliver justice by strengthening the DOJ’s programs to ensure the safety of witnesses.
 
“Never again is the battle cry,” she said.

Some families took the chance to raise their concerns to the DoJ chief.

Through de Lima, the families of the victims are hopeful that President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s administration will continue to support their quest for justice.

The daughter of photojournalist Reynaldo Momay told de Lima that there should be 58 victims, not 57. Momay’s body has not yet been found.

Some insisted for a live coverage during the trial.

Others, on the other hand, requested for the speedy processing of the P55-million trust fund donation from the Federation of Philippine Industries.
 
“May kunting problema lang pero matatangap din nila,” de Lima stated.

Prosecutors also told the families that the arraignment of the Ampatuans, prime suspects in the massacre, will proceed on July 28.
 
Lawyer Nena Santos said, “Ilan ang kasong nasampa kontra sa kanila, ‘di pwede madaliin.”