The prosecution panel in the Maguindanao massacre trial, yesterday, suffered a heavy blow after the judge handling the multiple murder case ordered the release of former provincial officer-in-charge Sajid Islam Ampatuan.

The order was issued by Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes. Sajid Islam is the son of clan patriarch and former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. He is the brother of primary suspect Andal Jr. Ampatuan immediately posted bail of P11.6 million. He was detained together with the other suspects, including members of his family at the Quezon City Jail at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig. He was the first defendant in the Maguindanao bloodbath to be freed on bail.

Everyone expressed concern after hearing of his temporary release. Among them were Lawyer Harry Roque who represents the victims of the Maguindanao massacre, and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima who ordered DOJ prosecutors to exert all available legal remedies including a petition before the Court of Appeals.

The Maguindanao massacre was one of the bloodiest murder and execution in Philippine history; many of those who were murdered were members of the media. There has never been an incident like this recorded, even during the time of Martial Law. The primary suspects for these gruesome murders were the Ampatuans. Most of the evidences presented in court were pointing to them.

It is usually due to lack of evidence that the court grants bail to capital crimes like these. If this indeed is the courts reason, then we begin to question the investigators and prosecutors if they really have done their job. If not, then we begin to doubt our justice system. This clearly sends the wrong signal to everyone seeking justice. This also raises concern that eventually the rest of the other Ampatuans might be granted bail.

We have to remember that the Ampatuans have amassed millions enough to buy anyone in this country. This is the common fear of everyone following this story including myself. We cannot allow a crime as big as this to evaporate into thin air. Our justice system has to be strong; otherwise, the laws of our land shall be taken for granted and that is where chaos begins.

I am hoping that the people tasked to bring them to justice did their job well, the evidence against these people is strong, and that the court has not waivered in the pursuit for justice. They will have to face their day in court and until their day would come they have to remain behind bars for the barbaric crime they have been accused of doing. The temporary freedom that the court has granted to the younger Ampatuan can be an act of denied justice for the families of the victims of the Maguindanao massacre.