A total 58 individuals, including 32 media workers, were assassinated in Ampatuan, Maguindanao last 23 November 2009.

A court audience listens to the promulgation of judgment on the Maguindanao Massacre case. (YouTube Screencap)

Whether people agree or disagree with Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes’ conviction of more than a dozen people for the Maguindanao massacre on Thursday, what is important is that the rule of law has prevailed, according to Malacanang.

“The court has spoken and rendered its decision on the basis of the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense. There were verdicts of guilty and acquittal. It behooves the parties to respect them,” said Salvador S. Panelo, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesperson.

The Palace also commended executive officials involved in the case as prosecutors or were heavily interested in its outcome as protectors of press freedom and human rights, for ensuring that the propriety and integrity of the proceedings were upheld.

Panelo said the government assures media people of their protection and security.

“While the promulgation of judgment on the case is done, the narrative on the protection of media workers is far from over. The President and the whole of government see this as a constant trial and are therefore still hard at work in building a nation where wanton acts of violence can be prevented so that any intention to threaten our democracy will not prosper even at its inception,” said Panelo.

The RTC decision comes 10 years since 58 individuals, including 32 media workers, were assassinated in Ampatuan, Maguindanao last 23 November 2009.