CA urged to recognize journalist as 58th Ampatuan massacre victim

Journalist Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay was urged by lawyers before the Court of Appeals (CA) to be recognized as the 58th victim of the Ampatuan massacre, even though only his dentures were recovered.

According to lawyer Gilbert Andres, Momay was not included among the “parties involved” in court documents.

In the CA motion, Andres said that under international law, the right to truth and the right to justice are indispensable and fundamental rights of victims of gross human rights violations — including the heirs of Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay.

Andres noted that aside from credible witness testimonies confirming Momay’s inclusion in the massacre, he can now be legally presumed dead.

The lawyer cited Civil Code provisions on intestate succession, noting that although the usual period is four years, the circumstances of the massacre justify recognition after a longer period.

“Even if 10 years have passed, it has been 16 years since the case happened and nothing has been heard of Reynaldo Bebot Momay. It is certain that he is included in the Maguindanao massacre,” Andres said.

Lawyers asked the CA to urgently resolve the merits of the pending appeals on the Maguindanao massacre cases.

On 23 November 2009 — 16 years since the gruesome murders — the heirs of the victims continue to suffer, according to their lawyers.

Aside from the recognition of Momay, the heirs also requested the court to correct clerical errors as their final push for full justice.

Lawyers said the remaining family members of the Maguindanao massacre victims express hope that they may still be alive when the CA issues its decision on the consolidated appeals.

The CA manifestation filed by lawyers included quotes from the heirs themselves to inform the court of their continued suffering.

“It has been 16 years, but up to now there is no acknowledgment for Reynaldo,” the lawyers said.