Senator Panfilo Lacson commended Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes for her courage and integrity during a decade-long trial that was capped with the conviction of several members of the influential Ampatuan clan and others involved in the massacre of 57 people – including 31 journalists – in Maguindanao in 2009.

“Considering the number of respondents involved, not to mention the power and influence of local politics with undeniably strong connections with the national government at least at the time the ambush-slaying of 58 victims was perpetrated, the judge who conducted the trial deserves high commendation and gratitude from the judiciary and the whole nation as well,” Lacson said in a statement.

“I am certain that she went through tremendous pressure and threats during the conduct of the trial. I, therefore, take my hat off to Judge Reyes for her courage and integrity,” he added.

He also defended Solis-Reyes for the long time it took to conclude the trial, saying the judge restored the public’s trust in the country’s justice system.

“Delayed justice is not necessarily justice denied. Without a doubt, Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes has immensely contributed to a renewed trust and confidence in the people of the administration of justice in our country,” Lacson said.

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 earlier found Datu Andal Ampatuan Jr., Zaldy Ampatuan and other members of the powerful clan guilty of murder “beyond a reasonable doubt” in the worst election-related violence and one of the deadliest attacks against journalists.

On the other hand, the court acquitted Sajid Islam Ampatuan and Datu Akmad “Tato” Ampatuan Sr. and several police suspects due to reasonable doubt.

Originally there were 58 victims in the Nov. 23, 2009 massacre, but the 58th victim, Reynaldo Momay, a local media photographer, was declared missing after the bodies of the 57 other victims were discovered in the crime scene. (PNA)