ATHENS, Greece – A newborn boy left to die in a waste chute in the western Greek city of Kalamata was saved by chance on Wednesday, December 18, because the garbage truck was late, allowing a woman feeding stray cats to rescue him.

The days-old baby had been left in a chute several meters deep in the center of town, the woman who claims to have found him told local media.

"The baby was placed in a paper bag...it was dropped there to die," Vassiliki Tsoni told the Newsit website.

"The chute was half full. I was shouting, nobody was stopping to help," said Tsoni, adding that she had stayed to dissuade neighbors from dropping more rubbish down the chute.

"If I had left to call the police, more garbage would have covered the baby. I was there for half an hour. It was crying, I was crying...I'm no mother but it really hurts."

"The baby was fortunate in its misfortune...there was a delay in the day's collection," Kalamata mayor Thanassis Vassilopoulos told Alpha TV.

"The garbage trucks do not just load waste, they compress it."

The baby was taken to a local hospital with breathing difficulty, and is expected to make a full recovery, the station said.

Police later said they had arrested a young woman in relation to the incident. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – One of the treasured traditions of the Christmas season in the Philippines is attending of novena Masses leading up to Christmas day, more popularly known as Simbang Gabi (night Mass) or Misa de Gallo (dawn Mass).

For 9 days, Filipino Catholics troop to churches as part of the preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ.

This year, Rappler will house live streams for anticipated Simbang Gabi Masses as they are celebrated across the Philippines. Bookmark this page to watch the Mass each night.

Rappler will also be releasing daily Mass readings and gospels for those who will not be able to attend Mass. You can read Tagalog and English versions of the day’s scripture below.

TAGALOG:

Unang Pagbasa

Huk 13:2-7, 24-25

Noong mga araw na iyon, sa bayan ng Zora ay may isang lalaking Manoa ang pangalan, kabilang sa lipi ni Dan. Ang asawa niya ay hindi magkaanak. Minsan, napakita sa babae ang anghel ng Panginoon, at sinabi, "Hanggang ngayo'y wala kang anak. Ngunit hindi magtatagal, maglilihi ka at manganganak. Mula ngayon ay huwag kang iinom ng anumang uri ng alak ni titikim ng anumang bawal na pagkain. Kung maipanganak mo na siya, huwag mong papuputulan ng buhok pagka't mula pa sa kanyang pagsilang ay itatalaga na siya sa Diyos. Siya ang magsisimulang magligtas sa Israel mula sa mga Filisteo."

Ang babae'y lumapit sa kanyang asawa at kanyang sinabi, "Napakita sa akin ang isang propeta ng Diyos, parang anghel. Kinikilabutan ako! Hindi ko tinanong kung tagasaan siya at hindi naman niya sinabi kung sino siya. Huwag daw akong iinom ng alak ni titikim ng anumang bawal na pagkain pagka't ang sanggol na isisilang ko'y itatalaga sa Diyos."

Dumating ang araw at nanganak ang asawa ni Manoa. Lalaki ang sanggol at pinangalanan nilang Samson. Lumaki ang bata na patuloy na pinagpapala ng Panginoon. Ang Espiritu ng Panginoon ay lumukob kay Samson.

Mabuting Balita

Lu 1:5-25

Noong si Herodes ang hari ng Judea, may isang saserdote na ang ngala'y Zacarias, sa pangkat ni Abias. At mula rin sa lipi ni Aaron ang kanyang asawang si Elisabet. Kapwa sila kalugud-lugod sa paningin ng Diyos, namumuhay nang ayon sa mga utos at tuntuning mula sa Panginoon. Wala silang anak sapagkat baog si Elisabet, at sila'y matanda na.

Ang pangkat ni Zacarias ang nanunungkulan noon, at siya'y naglilingkod sa harapan ng Diyos bilang saserdote. Nang sila'y magsapalaran, ayon sa kaugalian ng mga saserdote, siya ang nahirang na maghandog ng kamanyang. Kaya't pumasok siya sa templo ng Panginoon sa oras ng pagsusunog ng kamanyang, samantalang nagkakatipon sa labas ang mga tao at nananalangin. Walang anu-ano'y napakita sa kanya ang isang anghel ng Panginoon, nakatayo sa gawing kanan ng dambanang sunugan ng kamanyang. Nagulat si Zacarias at sinidlan ng matinding takot nang makita ang anghel. Ngunit sinabi nito sa kanya, "Huwag kang matakot, Zacarias! Dininig ng Diyos ang panalangin mo. Kayo ni Elisabet ay magkakaanak ng isang lalaki, at Juan ang ipangangalan mo sa kanya. Ikaw ay matutuwa at magiging maligaya, at marami ang magagalak sa kanyang pagsilang sapagkat siya'y magiging dakila sa paningin ng Panginoon. Hindi siya iinom ng alak o anumang inuming nakalalasing. Sa sinapupunan pa lamang ng kanyang ina, mapupuspos na siya ng Espiritu Santo. Marami sa mga anak ng Israel ang panunumbalikin niya sa kanilang Panginoong Diyos. Mauuna siya sa Panginoon, taglay ang espiritu at kapangyarihan ni Elias, upang pagkasunduin ang mga ama at ang mga anak, at panumbalikin sa daan ng matuwid ang mga suwail. Sa gayon, ipaghahanda niya ng isang bayan ang Panginoon."

Sinabi ni Zacarias sa anghel," Paano ko po matitiyak na mangyayari ito? Sapagkat ako'y napakatanda na at gayon din ang aking asawa." Sumagot ang anghel, "Ako si Gabriel na naglilingkod sa harapan ng Diyos. Sinugo ako upang ihatid sa iyo ang mabuting balitang sinabi ko na sa iyo. At ngayon, mabibingi ka't hindi makapagsasalita hanggang sa araw na maganap ang mga bagay na ito, sapagkat hindi ka naniwala sa mga sinabi ko na matutupad pagdating ng takdang panahon."

Samantala, naghihintay naman kay Zacarias ang mga tao. Nagtaka sila kung bakit nagtagal siya nang gayon sa loob ng templo. Paglabas niya ay hindi na siya makapagsalita, mga senyas na lamang ang ginagamit niya; kaya natanto nila na nakakita siya ng pangitain. At siya'y nanatiling pipi.

Nang matapos ang panahon ng kanyang paglilingkod ay umuwi na siya. Hindi nga nagtagal at naglihi si Elisabet, at hindi ito umalis ng bahay sa loob ng limang buwan. "Ngayo'y nilingap ako ng Panginoon," wika ni Elisabet. "Ginawa niya ito upang alisin ang aking kadustaan sa harapan ng mga tao!"

ENGLISH:

First Reading

Jgs 13:2-7.24-25

There was a certain man from Zorah, of the clan of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren and had borne no children. An angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Though you are barren and have had no children, yet you will conceive and bear a son. Now, then, be careful to take no wine or strong drink and to eat nothing unclean. As for the son you will conceive and bear, no razor shall touch his head, for this boy is to be consecrated to God from the womb. It is he who will begin the deliverance of Israel from the power of the Philistines.”

The woman went and told her husband, “A man of God came to me; he had the appearance of an angel of God, terrible indeed. I did not ask him where he came from, nor did he tell me his name. But he said to me, ‘You will be with child and will bear a son. So take neither wine nor strong drink, and eat nothing unclean. For the boy shall be consecrated to God from the womb, until the day of his death.’ ”

The woman bore a son and named him Samson. The boy grew up and the Lord blessed him. The spirit of the Lord stirred him.

Gospel

Lk 1:5-25

In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.

Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be fi lled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.”

Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfi lled at their proper time.”

Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home.

After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”

Scripture readings courtesy of Word & Life Publications.

Have a wonderful day and a happy Christmas! – Rappler.com

SIMBANG GABI GOSPELS MASTERLIST

WATCH LIVE: Simbang Gabi 2019

LIST: Simbang Gabi schedules across the Philippines

Day 1 - December 16, 2019

Day 2 - December 17, 2019

Day 3 - December 18, 2019

STRASBOURG, France – The daughter of jailed Uighur intellectual Ilham Tohti received the EU's top rights prize on his behalf Wednesday, December 18, saying she did not even know if he was still alive.

Jewher Ilham said she hoped the award of the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize would help her father, sentenced to life imprisonment in 2014 for "separatism" in a trial that provoked an outcry from foreign governments and human rights organizations.

The parliament hailed the former economics professor as a "voice of moderation and reconciliation" when it announced the award in October, while Beijing condemned the move, calling Tohti a "terrorist."

"The last time I heard about my father was 2017, that was also the last time a family visit was granted to my father," Ilham told Agence France-Presse before receiving the prize next to a symbolic empty chair at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

"So that was also the last time my family saw him. I don't even know if he is alive."

China has faced growing international condemnation for setting up a vast network of camps in its western Xinjiang region aimed at homogenizing the Uighur population – who are mostly Muslim and speak a Turkic language – to reflect China's majority Han culture.

Rights groups and experts say more than one million Uighurs and people of other mostly Muslim ethnic minorities have been rounded up and put in the camps in the tightly controlled region.

Fostering understanding

Tohti ran the UighurOnline website, which wrote in Uighur and Chinese about social issues, gaining prominence as a moderate voice drawing attention to ethnic tensions in the region.

Ilham said the release of Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov– who also won the Sakharov Prize while behind bars – gave her hope for her father.

"I was just told one of the recent laureates of the Sakharov Prize was released from prison. I do hope same thing happen to my father," she said.

She insisted that contrary to the allegations against him, her father had "never mentioned any word about separating the country," saying he had simply wanted to improve the situation in Xinjiang by fostering greater understanding between communities.

"My father created a website to create a platform for Uighurs, Chinese and other minority people to post articles and their understanding freely on the website and join discussion forums," she said.

The EU's diplomatic chief Josep Borrell tweeted his support, saying the bloc would always "uphold, stand up and take action for human rights."

"We will continue supporting those who fight for human rights, all around the world," he said.

The Uighur controversy took an unexpected turn into football this week when China's state broadcaster pulled an Arsenal-Manchester City match from its program after comments by the London club's midfielder Mesut Ozil.

Ozil, a German of Turkish origin, condemned China's crackdown on Uighurs and other minorities in the western region in a tweet on Friday, December 13, while criticizing Muslim countries for failing to speak up against abuses.

Beijing said the footballer had been "deceived by fake news" but US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo backed Ozil, saying "the truth will prevail" about Xinjiang. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Ten years of trial end today, Thursday, December 19, as Quezon City Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes hands down her verdict on the 2009 Maguindanao massacre.

The promulgation of judgment is expected to begin at 9 am at a courtroom inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

"The prosecution presented all that it can. It did its best," said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, who inherited this case as the 8th Department of Justice (DOJ) chief to oversee the trial of the decade. The DOJ prosecution panel at the tail end had 10 members led by City Prosecutor Amor Robles.

The Ampatuan massacre, which killed 58 people, 32 of them journalists, is said to be the deadliest attack on media in the world.

Guevarra earlier said the DOJ is confident of a conviction for at least the principal accused, referring to Ampatuan brothers Datu Andal Jr, Zaldy and Datu Sajid Islam. The Ampatuan patriarch and co-accused Datu Andal Sr died in 2015.

Has the prosecution done enough? (READ: Children bear the brunt 10 years since Ampatuan massacre)

Where's the trace evidence?

In his memorandum, or the final position paper of the 10-year-trial, Datu Andal Jr questioned the lack of trace evidence by the prosecution, such as the ballistic report on the firearms allegedly used in killing the 58 people.

"A ballistic study...should have been duly presented before the court during trial so as to supply the material and unmistakable link between the alleged victims and the firearms supposedly used to kill them, including the bullets purportedly found in their bodies," said Datu Andal Jr.

Datu Andal Jr was identified by witnesses, the most crucial of them being Sukarno Badal, a former vice mayor in Maguindanao and their ally, who testified to seeing the Ampatuan scion kill some of the 58 on November 23, 2009.

Datu Andal Jr also questioned the lack of DNA and fingerprint studies at the crime scene.

"Clearly, if a crime has been committed by allegedly more than a hundred culprits, it would be virtually impossible that trace evidence could not be found nor gathered," said Datu Andal Jr.

Alibis

But Datu Andal Jr has his alibi: eyewitnesses saying he was in a meeting at the municipal hall of Datu Unsay, a town named after him, from 8 am to 12:30 pm on November 23. Witnesses said the carnage happened from 11:30 am to 12 noon.

However, all these eyewitnesses surfaced only in 2018, or 9 years after the massacre.

"Witness would have the Court believe that it was his conscience that actually made him testify," the prosecution told the court.

In the case of eyewitness Mohammad Shamron Sapalon, the prosecution said cross-examinations revealed that his testimony was motivated by fear.

"Over and above it was what witness revealed during cross-examination that we are convinced that it is the greatest environmental factor fueling the testimony itself: fear," said the prosecution.

The prosecution also employed the principle of physical impossibility which simply asks this question: if Datu Andal Jr was indeed at the municipal hall in the morning of November 23, was it physically impossible for him to have traveled to and from the massacre site?

"It is clear that the accused was so near the massacre site on the day of the massacre which cannot erase the possibility of him being present thereat despite his claim of being at the Municipal Hall Building of Datu Unsay, Maguindanao on the day of the massacre," said the prosecution.

Where were they on meeting dates?

There were 4 key meetings leading to November 23, according to Badal and former Ampatuan househelp and state witness Lakmodin Saliao. 

• July 20, 2009, in Century Park Hotel in Manila
• November 16, 2009, in Barangay Bagong, Shariff Aguak in Ampatuan
• November 17, 2009, at Zaldy's house in Ampatuan
• November 22, 2009, at the Ampatuan farm in Barangay Bagong.

Badal and Saliao said all 3 brothers were in these meetings.

Datu Andal Jr claimed he was in the US, and actually mid-air on November 16 and 17, and arrived in the Philippines only on November 18. Airport records support this.

Zaldy provided witnesses who swore they were with him in another place on those dates:

• July 20, 2009 – Liaison Office of the ARMM in Legaspi Village, Makati
• November 16, 2009 – ARMM  satellite office in Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao
• November 17, 2009 – Municipal Office of Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao
• November 22, 2009 – Davao City

Sajid, on the other hand, said he was not on speaking terms with his father and brothers at the time because of a spat over politics.

In these meetings, Badal and Salio said, they heard Zaldy speak, promising his guns for the massacre, and coming up with a decoy plan so he would be in Manila on November 23. The state witnesses, however, did not hear Sajid speak.

For that, Judge Reyes allowed Sajid to be out on an P11 million bail, saying in 2015 that "the court finds, in its exercise of sound discretion, that the totality of the circumstances presently fails to reach the threshold of strong evidence of guilt."

Badal and Saliao

Zaldy hammered on the credibility of Badal in his memorandum.

For example, Zaldy pointed out how Badal said that 200 firearms to be used for the massacre "caused a delay at the airport when they tried to fly them back to Mindanao."

"Badal wants this Honorable Court to believe that 200 high-powered firearms could be snuck in Metro Manila's busy airport and boarded on an airplane just like that," said Zaldy.

In an attempt to show "how truly impossible and incredible Badal's allegations were," the defense presented Police Senior Inspector Garry Franco Puaso of the Aviation Security Group to say additional permits from the Philippine National Police (PNP) were secured.

"Badal himself confessed he was a hired killer....Indeed, simply put, if he can be hired to kill, what more to lie?" said Zaldy.

On Saliao, Zaldy said a househelp would not have been given easy access to whatever meeting.

Zaldy recalled a point during trial where Saliao claimed that upon the order of the Ampatuans, he gave P20 million to former justice undersecretary Francisco Baraan III as bribe.

Zaldy recalled that in defending Baraan, Harry Roque – then a private prosecutor in the case – reasoned that the former justice official joined the DOJ only during the Aquino administration when the alleged payoffs happened before that. 

"Saliao has a past record that shows his moral corruptibility and a propensity to lie," said Zaldy.

Confident of conviction

Notwithstanding these, private prosecutor Nena Santos remains confident of a conviction.

In total, the prosecution presented 134 witnesses, on top of the 58 private complainants who also took the stand.

The defense presented 165 witnesses.

Of the 197 accused, only 101 underwent trial. 

"We are not sure of the 100% (all 197 accused), but we are sure that the principal accused will be convicted," said Santos.

"If there will be no conviction, I am sorry to say that press freedom in the Philippines is dead," she added. – Rappler.com

WASHINGTON DC, USA – US President Donald Trump faced his ultimate political crisis Wednesday, December 18, in a historic congressional vote to impeach him for abuse of office, forever staining the billionaire's record and supercharging the nation's divides.

The House of Representatives opened its session with a prayer for "wisdom" by its chaplain, before debate on the resolution regarding "impeaching of Donald J. Trump" began soon after 10:00 am (1500 GMT).

The morning prayer was likely to be the last moment of calm on the momentous day Democrats and Trump's Republicans go head to head over making the convention-wrecking populist the third president ever charged with high crimes and misdemeanors.

The Democratic majority in the House, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is expected to approve two articles of impeachment – abuse of office and obstruction of Congress – after debate running through much of the day.

The Republican-dominated Senate will then open a trial in January and is all but certain to acquit the president.

Trump, arguably the most polarizing US leader in living memory, was spending the day holed up at the White House, sending out streams of tweets reflecting his frustration, anger and predictions of revenge at next year's election.

"Can you believe that I will be impeached today by the Radical Left, Do Nothing Democrats, AND I DID NOTHING WRONG! A terrible Thing," Trump said in his opening salvo.

Later he was to fly to the electoral swing state of Michigan for a rally with thousands of his most loyal supporters – possibly right around the time of the House vote.

Although impeachment will put an ugly asterisk by Trump's name in the history books – alongside Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998 – he predicts the scandal will galvanize his base in the 2020 presidential polls.

On the eve of impeachment, he wrote an extraordinary six-page letter to Pelosi accusing her of an "attempted coup," a "charade" and treating him less fairly than at a witch trial.

Republicans in Congress reject the impeachment unanimously. Democrats overwhelmingly support, but leaders are sweating over the possibility that several legislators may break ranks and vote no out of fear of retribution from pro-Trump voters in swing districts back home.

Election meddling

Trump is accused of using a delay in delivery of foreign aid money to Ukraine to try to force the country to open a deliberately embarrassing corruption probe into a main 2020 reelection rival, Democrat Joe Biden.

Trump is also accused of obstructing Congress by refusing to cooperate with the impeachment investigation, barring staff from testifying and holding back documentary evidence.

"This is about protecting our democracy. These facts are beyond dispute. The only question now is whether we are willing to tolerate such conduct," Massachusetts Democrat Jim McGovern told the House.

One Democratic legislator who was skeptical about supporting impeachment, Debbie Dingell from Michigan, wrote in The New York Times that she'd finally come around to backing the vote because Trump poses "a threat to our democracy."

"If we don't address this abuse of power, we abdicate our constitutional and moral responsibility," she said.

'Sick'

Pelosi has tried to show she is taking the high road in a saga that has seen both sides, and especially Trump himself, repeatedly accuse opponents of everything from treason to stupidity.

But she dropped her icy demeanor after Trump published his lengthy letter, much of it reading like an extended version of his stream-of-consciousness tweets.

The letter was "really sick," she said.

Protests in support of impeachment broke out in several cities including New York, Boston, New Orleans and Los Angeles.

Demonstrators waved signs urging Congress to "Dump Trump" and "Protect our Democracy."

One Christmas-themed sign wished fellow protesters a "merry impeachment."

At a gathering of about 200 protesters outside Congress on Wednesday, television producer Susanna Kanner, 37, said Trump was a "criminal."

"It's a sad day for America," she said. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – They have waited a decade for this day.

On Friday, December 19, dozens of family members of victims in the brutal Maguindanao massacre arrived one by one in Camp Bagong Diwa for a verdict that, for them, would indicate the state of justice in the country.

A decade ago 58 were killed in Ampatuan, Maguindanao in what has been described as the most deadly election-related violence in Philippine history. It is judgment day.

Some family members remained hopeful. Others felt helpless.

Noemi Parcon didn’t shed a tear when she faced the cameras. Her husband, Joel Parcon, was among the 32 journalists slain in the slaughter. Facing reporters, she said she had God on her side.

“We are 100% expecting na mananalo kami sa kaso na ‘to (We are 100% expecting that we will win in this case),” Parcon said.

She lamented that the decision took so long, but she said the trial has, so far, demonstrated that a guilty verdict was imminent – if not for all, at least the principal accused: the Ampatuan brothers.

Jergin Malabanan, the daughter of slain journalist Gina dela Cruz, expected the same result.

“Hindi po kami nawalan ng pag-asa. Alam naman po namin na dadating itong araw na ito. Natagalan nga pero alam ng lahat na dadating itong araw na ito (We never lost hope. We knew this day would come. It took a long time but we knew this day would come),” Malabanan said as she failed to hold back tears.

She was only 15 when she was forced to be the madre de pamilya for her siblings after their mother was killed. She said she has come to fulfill a promise for her mother. (TIMELINE: The long road to justice for Maguindanao massacre victims)

“Nangako ako na ipaglalaban ko po hanggang sa dulo ng makakaya ko po. Habang buhay po ako, ipaglalaban ko yung hustisya niya (I promised to fight as best I can. As long as I’m alive I will fight for justice),” Jergin said.

Outside the squeezing crowd sat a woman who wore all black. Nenita Oquendo came all the way from General Santos City to witness if justice will be served to her slain husband Catalino and daughter Cynthia Oquendo.

Breaking away from the narratives of hope offered by the first two women, Oquendo did not appear to expect much.

“Kung ako lang, sa gusto ng Panginoon, maconvict na sila nang husto para ma-rest ang aming damdamin, ma-rest ang mga namatay,” Oquendo said. (For me alone, if God will allow it, I would convict them all so that our grief would be put to rest, so that the killed could finally find rest, too.)

Tempering her hope, she added, “Hindi ako masyadong kampante kasi ang justice system sa Pilipinas is moving eh. Ganito na, yet sa unahan iba na.” (I am not very confident because the justice system here in the Philippines moves. This is the decision now, but as it moves forward, it can change.) – Rappler.com

This is a DEVELOPING story. Please refresh for updates

WASHINGTON, USA (UPDATED) – President Donald Trump was impeached for abuse of power in a historic vote in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, setting up a Senate trial on removing him from office after three turbulent years.

By a 230 to 197 vote in the Democratic-majority House, the 45th US president becomes just the third occupant of the White House in American history to be impeached.

Democrats said they had "no choice" but to formally charge the Republican president, whose impeachment along stark party lines places an indelible stain on his record while driving a spike ever deeper into the US political divide.

"What is at risk here is the very idea of America," said Adam Schiff, the lawmaker who headed the impeachment inquiry, ahead of the vote.

Trump will now stand trial in the Senate, where his Republicans hold a solid majority and are expected to exonerate him.

The House vote came four months after a whistleblower blew open the scandal of Trump pressuring Ukraine's president to investigate his potential White House challenger in 2020, the veteran Democrat Joe Biden.

After a marathon 10-hour debate, lawmakers voted quickly 229-198 to approve the second article of impeachment facing Trump – for obstructing the congressional probe into his Ukraine dealings by blocking the testimony of subpoenaed White House aides.

Trump spent the first part of the day holed up at the White House, tweeting in frustration, but on Wednesday night the 73-year-old was on friendlier territory.

In an extraordinary split screen moment, as the House was casting votes to impeach him, thousands of Trump's most fervent supporters were cheering him at a rally in Michigan where he railed against a "radical left" he said was "consumed with hatred."

Democrats are "trying to nullify the ballots of tens of millions of patriotic Americans," he charged.

"Four more years, 4 more years," the crowd chanted back.

Despite testimony from 17 officials that Trump leveraged his office for political gain, the president maintained his innocence throughout the impeachment inquiry – denouncing it as a "witch hunt," an "attempted coup" and an "assault on America."

'Threat to national security' 

Neither of the two previous presidents impeached since 1789, Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998, was convicted in the Senate, and both held onto their jobs.

But despite the high likelihood of Trump being cleared by Senate Republicans, Democrats said the evidence against him was overwhelming and forced them to act.

"It is tragic that the president's reckless actions make impeachment necessary. He gave us no choice," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

"It is a matter of fact that the president is an ongoing threat to our national security and the integrity of our elections."

Both camps approached the vote with solemnity.

"It's a big responsibility, it's sobering, and I think the members feel that way too," House Democrat Diana DeGette told Agence France-Presse.

"I come to this floor not as a Republican, not as a Democrat, but as an American," said independent legislator Justin Amash.

"Impeachment is about maintaining the integrity of the office of the presidency."

'Triggered into impeaching' 

The day of dramatic and often angry oratory saw both sides delving deep into Constitutional law, citing the intentions of the country's hallowed founders such as Benjamin Franklin or Alexander Hamilton.

Republicans repeatedly drove the line that the Democrats rushed the investigation; Trump was treated more unfairly than witches put on trial in the 17th century Americas – or even than Jesus Christ, they claimed.

"Pontius Pilate gave Jesus the opportunity to face his accusers. During that sham trial, Pontius Pilate afforded more rights to Jesus than the Democrats afforded this president and this process," said Georgia Republican Barry Loudermilk.

They accused Democrats of being driven by a party fringe of socialist extremists and "Trump-haters," and warned that impeaching Trump would backlash against the party in national elections next November.

"This is not about the Ukraine, it's about power," said Republican Matt Gaetz.

"Voters will never forget that Democrats have been triggered into impeaching the president, because they don't like him, and they don't like us."

Democrats countered that Republicans were not addressing the charges and evidence, instead issuing blanket denials and counter-accusations.

"We do not hear, because we cannot hear, because they cannot articulate, a real defense of the president's actions," said Jerry Nadler, whose Judiciary Committee drafted the charges against Trump. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Maguindanao 2nd District Representative Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu said on Thursday, December 19, that he expects a “100% guilty” verdict on the alleged masterminds of the massacre that killed his wife and sisters a decade ago.

Arriving at the court compound of Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City at around 7:30 am, Mangudadatu told reporters he was optimistic that he and the relatives of other victims would win the case, to be resolved Thursday after a trial that ran for more than 9 years.

“Alam kong babatayan natin ‘yung, 58 lives ‘yun eh (I know we will base it on the fact that those were 58 lives),” he said, adding that of the 101 suspects who stood trial for murder, those most guilty should be meted the maximum penalty.

“Dapat, guilty 100%…may mga nasali raw doon na medyo ano, pero doon sa mga major suspects, itong mga participants ng pag-slaughter ng 58 lives, kailangan 100% doon,” Mangudadatu said.

(It should be 100% guilty…there were some who got dragged in there…but those major suspects, these participants in the slaughter of 58 lives, it should be 100% for them.)

The principal accused in the case are the Ampatuan brothers Andal Jr, Zaldy, and Sajid Islam, who allegedly conspired and carried out the grisly plot to murder Mangdudadatu’s wife Genalin, and his sisters Eden and Farinah, as they were about to file his candidacy for Maguindanao governor on November 23, 2009.

Gunmen blocked and hijacked the convoy led by Genalin Mangudadatu accompanied by 57 other people including 32 journalists. They were led to a mountainous area, where they were shot dead and buried in mass graves.

The Ampatuan clan has long held power in Maguindanao, and Mangudadatu’s candidacy then was a challenge to their stranglehold on the province.

The clan patriarch, Andal Ampatuan Sr., was said to be the main mastermind, and stood trial until he died of cancer in 2015.

“Malaking mensahe ang maipapakita sa mga kababayan po namin, ‘di lang sa Maguindanao…na tama na ‘yung power na pinapasobra, na ‘yung palagay nila na kapitulado sa kanila ‘yung power na ‘yun,” Mangudadatu said of his political rivals, and the alleged killers of his loved ones.

(We can show an important message to our fellow citizens, not just in Maguindanao…that we’ve had enough of excessive power, the way that they felt entitled to power.)

Mangudadatu won as governor of Maguindanao in 2010, beating Andal Ampatuan Jr – and the court’s verdict to be handed down Thursday will determine whether justice would be served for the spilled blood that bolstered his own political career. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – If the accused are convicted, each Ampatuan massacre victim could receive as much as P20 million in civil damages, prosecution lawyers said on Wednesday, December 18. (READ: Did prosecution do enough? Ampatuan massacre verdict out today)

Harry Roque, who is a lawyer for some of the families of the victims, said in an Inquirer report on Thursday, December 19, that he asked the court to order the accused to pay that amount to help the families cope with their loss. (READ: Children bear the brunt 10 years since Ampatuan massacre)

Law professor Ted Te, however, explained in an interview on ANC also on Thursday that under the law, those found guilty of taking a life would be required to pay only P50,000 in damages. (WATCH: Trial of the decade: Highlights of Ampatuan massacre case)

Te said the prosecution's lawyers would have to prove their case in terms of consequential damages in order for the victims' families to receive P20 million each. (TIMELINE: The long road to justice for Maguindanao massacre victims)

"They would go into earning capacity, what had been lost," Te said. "If the person who was killed was the breadwinner or if the person that was killed was a young enough person that would have gone on to a lucrative profession, would this person have earned this much if he or she lived this long? So it goes into all of those items, the judge must make an appreciation of the private prosecution presented for each one."

Te predicted that this may take some time during the reading of the verdict on December 19, as the judge must explain why each of the convicted must pay a certain amount.

If found guilty, each of the accused could also face up to 40 years in prison. Those who have been in preventive detention for the past 10 years could face only 30 years.

The 2009 Ampatuan massacre, known to be the deadliest attack on media in the world, killed 58 people, 32 of whom were journalists. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Camp Bagong Diwa, the headquarters of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is now on lockdown as of 10:30 am, upon the arrival of Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes – the magistrate in charge of the historic Maguindanao massacre trial.

Reyes arrived with a convoy of civilian and police cars from the Quezon City Police District. It is perhaps the most high-stakes day of her life, as she hands down the decision on the so-called trial of the decade, involving a case stemming from a massacre of 58 people, mostly journalists in 2009.

According to NCRPO police chief Brigadier General Debold Sinas, the lockdown involves preventing the entrance of anyone in the camp up until Reyes completes delivering her decision and leaving the premises. (TIMELINE: The long road to justice for Maguindanao massacre victims)

In the morning, journalists noted that the NCRPO checked equipment strictly and even restricted the entry of crew vehicles to further secure their headquarters. Dozens of cops also stood with shields just outside the main gate, poised to fend off any trespassers.

Camp Bagong Diwa is where the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Annex is located. Upon orders of the Supreme Court, it is where hearings on the massacre have been held.

"It's for the protection of our camp so that not anyone could enter," Sinas said.

Sinas said they called on one police company, around 150 cops, to aid in securing the camp during the hearing. 

He noted that around a dozen protesters have begun gathering outside the main gate of the camp. Supporters of the suspects, the Ampatuan brothers, were also allowed to gather outside the camp. Meanwhile, supporters of the complainants, the Mangudadatu clan, were given space inside.

The countdown is expected to stretch for hours as a kilometric decision is read involving over a hundred suspects facing over 50 cases each. After 10 years of waiting and grieving, the complainants hope for justice. – Rappler.com

This is a breaking story. Please refresh for updates.

MANILA, Philippines – After 10 years, the Ampatuan brothers were found guilty of murdering 58 people.

Ampatuan brothers Datu Andal Jr and Zaldy were convicted of 57 counts of murder in the gory massacre of 2009, a verdict that will reverberate across sectors in what has been called the trial of the decade. Their other brother Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan was acquitted.

Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes handed her most-awaited judgment on Thursday, December 19, sentencing to reclusion perpetua or up to 40 years in jail the Ampatuan brothers without parole.

This was for the massacre of 58 people on November 23, 2009, where 32 who died were journalists.

The historic judgment was handed down in a tightly-secured courtroom inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.

The 58 people were part of a convoy that sought to file the certificate of candidacy of then- Maguindanao governor aspirant Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu. It is said to be the deadliest attack on journalists in the world, and the worst election-related violence in Philippine history.

State witnesses, a politician previously allied with the ruling Ampatuan clan, and a househelp, testified to seeing the brothers participate in successive meetings that planned the massacre. Datu Andal Jr, alias Unsay, was pinpointed as the gunman. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan was not present during the promulgation of judgment of the Ampatuan massacre on Thursday, December 19.

A Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutor moved that the court order Sajid Islam to explain in writing why he is not present, and "if warranted a warrant is issued and his bail canceled." 

The hearing was supposed to start at 9 am but didn't begin until 11am. A roll call of the accused set off the hearing, where court staff Allan Moral noted that Sajid was "not in court."

Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes said all accused were notified and that "they cannot waive their presence" in the promulgation.

Sajid's brothers, Datu Andal Jr and Zaldy, were present and at the front row of the gallery of the accused. Zaldy was in a wheelchair and wearing arm support, after having been confined for weeks at the Makati Medical Center. Zaldy was ordered to return to jail the day before, on Wednesday, December 18.

Sajid was granted bail in 2015 by Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes. State witnesses testified to seeing Sajid in alleged meetings to plan the massacre, but none heard him speak, unlike Zaldy who allegedly actively participated.

For that, Judge Reyes said at the time that "the totality of the circumstances presently fails to reach the threshold of strong evidence of guilt" for Sajid. He posted an P11-million bail for his temporary freedom. 

Sajid is the suspended mayor of Shariff Saydona Mustapha town in Maguindanao. He had been convicted of graft for alleged ghost projects in Maguindanao while he was acting governor in 2009, months before the massacre on November 23, 2009.

The Ampatuan massacre, which killed 58 people, 32 of them journalists, is said to be the deadliest attack on media in the world. – Rappler.com

This is a breaking story. Please refresh for updates.

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan was acquitted in the gory Ampatuan Massacre of 2009, leaving his brothers to be sentenced to reclusion perpetua without parole.

Sajid's brothers Andal Jr and Zaldy, as well as relatives Datu Anwar Sajid, Datu Anwar Jr, and Datu Anwar Sr were convicted of 57 counts of murder.

Sajid was not present during the promulgation. 

Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes gave Sajid 5 days to explain why he should not be cited for contempt of court for his "failure to appear despite notice."

Also acquitted was Mohamad Sangki, a witness who said he was ordered by Datu Andal Jr to "prepare" the premises in Ampatuan, Maguindanao, which turned out to be the massacre site.

58 people died on November 23, 2009, where 32 who died were journalists. 

The historic judgment was handed down in a tightly-secured courtroom inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig. (READ: Children bear the brunt 10 years since Ampatuan massacre)

The 58 people were part of a convoy that sought to file the certificate of candidacy of then- Maguindanao governor aspirant Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu. It is the deadliest attack on journalists in the world, and the worst election-related violence in Philippine history.

State witnesses, a politician previously allied with the ruling clan Ampatuans, and a househelp, testified to seeing the brothers participate in successive meetings that planned the massacre. Datu Andal Jr, alias Unsay, was pinpointed as the gunman. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Benguet Representative Nestor Fongwan died on Wednesday night, December 18. He was 68. 

Fongwan's son, Benguet Board Member Nestor "Bobot" Fongwan Jr, announced this on a Facebook post on Thursday morning, December 19.

"My father is now with his creator," Fongwan Jr said.

Before serving for the first time as Hosue representative, Fongwan served 3 consecutive terms as governor of Benguet, after which he went on hiatus from politics from 2016 to 2019. At the time of his death, he was vice chairman of 3 House committees: agrarian reform, indigenous cultural communities and indigenous people, and natural resources. 

Fongwan's son said the patriarch will be brought to his home in Guadayan, Puguis, on Thursday night. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The conviction of the Ampatuan brothers over the massacre of 58 people, including 32 journalists, after a decade-long trial is a welcome development against the culture of impunity in the Philippines. 

Calling the verdict momentous, Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday, December 19, said advocates should use this to build toward "greater accountability for rights abuses in the country." 

"Advocates should use this verdict to spur further political and judicial reforms to ultimately end the impunity that has plagued the country for far too long," HRW Deputy Asia Director Phil Robertson said.

He added the verdict should signal the end of state support for private armies and political warlordism that gave rise to the Ampatuans in the first place.

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 under Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes found the Ampatuan brothers Datu Andal Jr and Zaldy guilty of 57 counts of murder in the 2009 massacre. They were found guilty beyond reasonable doubt and are set to face reclusion perpetua without parole.

On November 23, 2009, armed men intercepted a convoy of journalists, media workers, lawyers, and relatives of Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu on their way to file his certificate of candidacy for Maguindanao governor against Andal Jr. ([WATCH] Trial of the decade: Highlights of Ampatuan massacre case)

It is considered as the worst case of election-related violence in the Philippines and also regarded as the single deadliest attack against the media in the world. (TIMELINE: The long road to justice for Ampatuan massacre victims) 

Search for justice far from over 

Meanwhile,  Amnesty International said the decision on the massacre shows that the system is working despite massive delays.

It noted, however, that there are still suspects at large, making the “families’ search for justice far from over.” 

“Today’s court decision shows that the wheels of justice keep on turning,” Amnesty Regional Director Nicholas Bequelin  said. “Suspected perpetrators of human rights violations will be held to account."

While it welcomed the decision, Karapatan said the 10-year trial was already a form of injustice for the victims and their families. But the group still lauded the efforts to attain justice especially against a powerful clan like the Ampatuans. 

“This only proves that years of hounding and demanding for justice pays off. As long as there is relentless efforts from families to exact justice and accountability, the fight will continue,” Karapatan secretary-general Cristina Palabay said. “Our justice system would have put this case in limbo if it were not for the resounding calls of families and journalists to remind the nation of this brutal crime.” – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Finally, justice is served.

After a decade, Ampatuan brothers Datu Andal Jr and Zaldy were convicted of 57 counts of murder in the 2009 Ampatuan massacre and were sentenced to reclusion perpetua without parole. Their other brother Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan was acquitted.

Shorty after the guilty verdict, hashtags #MaguindanaoMassacreVerdict and #AmpatuanMassacre topped the Twitter trending topics in the Philippines.

Social media users posted their appreciation for Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes, thanking her for her "courage and sacrifices" while others wished for her safety.

Two women serving justice for the crimes of men. That's it. That's the decade. #ImpeachmentDay#MaguindanaoMassacreVerdictpic.twitter.com/JtztpifT4H

— Joms (@jomszj) December 19, 2019

Let's take a moment to appreciate Judge Solis' courage and sacrifices in accepting the Ampatuan Massacre case, she worked her ass off for the past 10 years. Now, justice has been finally served. #MaguindanaoMassacreVerdict#MaguindanaoMassacreVerdict

— cubie (@jvincentquiobe) December 19, 2019

Let’s continue to pray for the safety of the Lawyers of the defendants, especially the Judge who held the final verdict. These powerful Ampatuan clan won’t stop for sure, til they get their family members out of jail. #MaguindanaoMassacreVerdict

— rahnella (@ellyyybee) December 19, 2019

Hands down para sa judge na humarap at humatol sa mga ampatuan

— R. (@deactivatedmind) December 19, 2019

"The case was raffled off to Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes in December 2009 after Judge Luisito Cortez refused to take it on out of fear for his and his family's safety. "

GRABE. NOTHING BUT RESPECT FOR THIS STRONG WOMAN. #MaguindanaoMassacreVerdict

— mardy bum (@trishsales) December 19, 2019

Gonna tell my kids these were the bravest judges in Philippines: Late and Former RTC Judge Miriam Defensor Santiago, Ret. Judge Harriet Demetriu & Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes. #MaguindanaoMassacreVerdictpic.twitter.com/xP623ovXJw

— Ryan Kazmi (@meryankazmi) December 19, 2019

The Ampatuan massacre, which killed 58 people, 32 of them journalists, is said to be the deadliest attack on media in the world. (READ: Did prosecution do enough? Ampatuan massacre verdict out today)

Here are more tweets about the verdict:

What are your thoughts on the Maguindanao massacre verdict? Let us know in the comments! – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Lawmakers on Thursday, December 19, welcomed the guilty verdict on the Ampatuan brothers over the 2009 massacre that saw 58 dead, including 32 journalists. 

Ampatuan brothers Datu Andal Jr and Zaldy were declared guilty beyond reasonable doubt of 57 counts of murder.

Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 under Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes sentenced them and others to reclusion perpetua without parole. (READ: 55 acquitted, 28 convicted in Ampatuan massacre)

The massacre on November 23, 2009, is regarded as the worst case of election-related violence in the Philippines and the single deadliest attack on journalists in the world. (READ: TIMELINE: The long road to justice for Ampatuan massacre victims)

Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives noted that the conviction was a long time coming, but nonetheless hailed it as a welcome development.

SENATE

Senator Risa Hontiveros

This has been a day too long in coming, but it is a step towards the full measure of justice. On November 23, 2009, 58 people were murdered, 32 of them members of the press, in what has been widely acknowledged as the single most violent crime against journalists in living memory.

Now we must ensure the success of the BARMM and that the Philippines stops becoming a dangerous place for members of the press, or for anyone exercising their democratic rights.

Now we must work toward the greater goal of ending lawless violence perpetrated by political dynasties who only want to cling to power and look after their own self-interest. ‪The road to justice ends when we ensure that any similar attack on the free press and our democratic rights never happens again.  ‬

Senator Francis Pangilinan

Those behind the daily killings in the brutal drug war launched by this administration should take today's Ampatuan massacre guilty verdict to heart.

The killing of the innocent, the slaughter of the hapless, mass murder, must be, will be punished. 

Senator Leila de Lima 

This day will forever be etched in history as the day justice did not tolerate homicidal and monstrous abuse of power. By means of this guilty verdict, we are reminded that warlords have no place in a democracy, but are its very antithesis.

I also commend Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes, who tediously heard the case and had deferred career advancement, in the name of delivering complete justice to the victims of this gruesome crime. Judge Reyes will be remembered for how she tirelessly weighed and appreciated the facts, which led to the conviction of the Maguindanao mass murderers.

But, in spite of this victory, there is still injustice out there. This is why justice needs to be a continuing cycle wherein accountability continues to be exacted from those who abuse their power to maintain a stranglehold on their position. 

Senator Francis Tolentino

While it took several years to arrive at a verdict, the attainment of justice shows that faith and vigilance in the  judicial system is a primordial norm of a civilized society. While the penalty may be wanting for some, let us hope that this will never happen again.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto

Justice won today.

Senator Joel Villanueva

This decision restores faith in the justice system. I salute Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes for her dedication and her courage to stand for what is right and just. We hope that our authorities continue to account for the other accused who have yet to be arrested and tried.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian

Justice has been served today. I applaud the  court and Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes for handling down the verdict in one of the deadliest instances of political violence in Philippine history.

Hindi na natin hahayaan pang maulit na mangyari ang ganitong trahedya. Patuloy tayong magbabantay laban sa anumang uri at mukha ng kriminalidad. Makakaasa ang taong bayan na kami sa lehislatura ay nakahandang magbalangkas ng batas para sa proteksiyon ng buhay ng bawat Filipino. (We will not let another tragedy like this happen again. We will continue to be vigilant against any form of crime or violence. Rest assured that the legislative is ready to propose bills to protect each Filipino.)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

ACT-CIS Representative Niña Taduran

Today, impunity has ended. The victims' cry for justice has been answered. As we celebrate the bravery and wisdom of Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes, we must also continue to pray for her safety and the witnesses' and families of the victims' well-being. 

Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate

At long last, after 10 years, justice is finally catching up with the culprits behind the most barbaric attack against journalists in world history. These convicts must immediately be transferred and put behind bars in the national penitentiary without any conditions and reservations.

Those who are still at large must be hunted down, arrested, and suffer the consequences of their barbaric deeds. It is truly tragic but true that the Ampatuan massacre is emblematic of the dangers posed by private armies, militias, and paramilitaries and how it became one of the pillars of the reign of impunity in our country. Yet, the government, then and now, is not clearly serious in addressing it.

Cavite City 4th District Representative Elpidio Barzaga Jr

Indeed, the fight of the victims' families is not over yet. Authorities should look further into the case of 80 accused individuals who remain at large. They too must be tried so corresponding penalties may be sentenced to them. Moreover, the judiciary [must] recalibrate its system and address VIP treatment among big-time inmates and ensure that hospital referral official pass is not abused by some who fake illnesses to be moved into medical facilities.

Ako Bicol Representative Alfredo Garbin Jr

The guilty verdict today is a challenge to Congress and all institutions and sectors in our democratic society to protect all our freedoms with utmost strength, the full force of our laws, and the clear certainty of enforcement. 

We must find ways to bar criminal warlords from running for all public positions, whether appointive or elective. We must weed out all corrupt and criminal elements from the ranks of the police, the military, and civilian officials. The country needs super strong protections for citizens and the news media covering conflict situations and election hotspots. 

Agusan del Norte 1st District Representative Lawrence Fortun

The guilty verdict is proof that no matter how slow the wheels of justice turn in our country's imperfect legal system, justice can be meted. This is a clear message to all voters to never again elect warlords to powerful positions in government from the barangay level up to all national posts.

This case should serve as a challenge to all branches of government to wipe out all private armies, seize and destroy all illegal firearms, and prosecute all lawless elements wherever they may be. 

– Rappler.com  

MANILA, Philippines – The family of the victims in the brutal Ampatuan massacre case hailed the decision of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court to convict most of the Ampatuan brothers, the principal suspects in the case.

Minutes after Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes ended the hearing on Thursday, December 19, smiling families walked out of the annex court in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig, led by their lawyer Harry Roque.

Before the trial, they were hopeful of a guilty verdict, with some skeptics bracing for acquittals. But after, they appeared relieved.

Speaking on behalf of his clients, lawyer Harry Roque said many among them found "closure" in the darkest chapter of their lives.

The trial was 10 grueling years for many of the families, as they fought for justice despite threats. In the course of the trial, some 3 witnesses were shot dead.

Roque represented the relatives of 19 of the 58 killed in the 2009 massacre.

"Now, they can move on with their lives," Roque said, as his clients gestured hand "V" signs to the crowd outside the camp to signal "victory."

Christmas gift

For one family victim, the verdict was the best Christmas gift she has received from God.

"Pamasko talaga niya sa amin ito, kasi ilang araw na lang Pasko, malaking Pamasko ito ng Diyos  sa amin po (This is His Christmas gift for us, because just a few days from now is Christmas. This is a big Christmas gift from God to us)," said Monette Salaysay, who lost her husband Napoleon Salaysay in the massacre.

For Catherine Nuñez, the mother of slain journalist Victor Nuñez, the decision has given her "mixed emotions" because of the acquittals, but she saw the convictions as answered prayers.

"'Yan talaga since sa umpisa dinarasal namin na sana po, lalo na kagabi 'di kami nakatulog, hindi namin maintindihan kung meron ba, umaasa talaga kami sa hustisya (From the start that's what we were praying for, even last night we couldn't sleep, we couldn't understand, and we hoped that there was justice)," said Nuñez.

Roque said that despite the acquittal of two Ampatuans, his clients were happy to celebrate with the conviction of many of the massacre masterminds. Ten years later, imperfect it may seem, they finally felt justice had been served.

Salaysay said that she was confident that the Ampatuan brothers would never get out of jail again: "Kampante na kami. Wala na yun. Wala nang pag-asang makalabas po yun sa ginawa ba nila na dinami-dami na pinatay nila. Makalabas pa ba yun? (We are confident. They have no chance anymore. They have no chance to get out. After killing so many people, would they still be able to get out?)

But with a chance to reverse the decision in higher courts, could their celebration be too early? – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Only 28 people were convicted for 57 counts of murder for the 2009 Ampatuan massacre.

The 28, including masterminds Datu Andal Jr and Zaldy Ampatuan, were sentenced to reclusion perpetua, or a maximum of 40 years, without parole.

According to human rights lawyer Ted Te, they will be made to serve only 30 years because the 10 years they spent in detention while on trial is creditable preventive imprisonment. The 30-year sentence could also still be reduced, subject to the recent revision of the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law.

A total of 55 people, including Maguindanao town mayor Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan, were acquitted. Datu Sajid Islam and 51 others were acquitted due to reasonable doubt. 

State witnesses did not hear Sajid speak during the meetings where the massacre was planned. Most of those acquitted were policemen.

The 3 others who were found not guilty are PO1 Abdullah Baguadatu, PO1 Oscar Donato and PO1 Michael Madsig. Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes said "the evidence of the prosecution failed to prove their guilt."

An additional 15 people were convicted for being accessory to the crimes, and were sentenced to 6 to 10 years. Te said that in their case, the same creditable preventive imprisonment will apply. This means that for some of them who have been jailed for 10 years already, the prospect of freedom may come soon despite their convictions.

A full copy of Judge Reyes' decision was still unavailable as of posting time. 

Judge Reyes said those convicted will be committed to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP). 

(1/3) READ the dispositive portion of the RTC decision in PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES VS. DATU ANDAL “UNSAY” AMPATUAN, JR., ET AL. pic.twitter.com/8kL2fptvHz

— Supreme Court Public Information Office (PIO) (@SCPh_PIO) December 19, 2019

The 58th victim

The 28 people were convicted of only 57 counts of murder, because Judge Reyes excluded Reynaldo Momay, a journalist whose body was never recovered. The case for him was belatedly filed in 2012 because his dentures were found in the crime scene.

As such, Momay's family will not be entitled to damages. Each family was awarded P300,000 in civil indemnity and moral and exemplary damages on top of loss of earning capacity which varies per victim.

Harry Roque, lawyer of the Momay family, said they will appeal the civil aspect of the case, and run after damages also.

"Hindi naman pupuwede na nahanap ang postiso ni Mr Momay, confirmed na sumama sa coverage, nawala hanggang ngayon at wala pong finding na hindi po naging biktima si Mr Momay," Roque said.

(Mr. Momay's dentures were found, he was confirmed to have joined the coverage, he hasn't been found, so how is it possible that he's not included?) – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – After a decade-long trial, Malacañang on Thursday, December 19, welcomed the Quezon City Regional Trial Court's decision to convict most the Ampatuan brothers who were principal suspects in the murder of 58 people.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Palace would "respect" the decision of QC RTC Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes sentencing the Ampatuan brothers Datu Andal Jr and Zaldy to reclusion perpetua or up to 40 years in jail without parole.

"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," Panelo said in a press briefing on Thursday afternoon after the verdict was handed down.

"Ultimately, it will be the Supreme Court that will give the final judgement. For now, what is important is that the rule of law has prevailed," said Panelo, who once served as counsel for one of the principal suspects.

The long-awaited decision in the Ampatuan massacre case was handed down in a tightly-secured courtroom inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. It saw 28 convicted of 57 counts of murder and sentenced to 40 years. Meanwhile, 15 were sentenced to 6-10 years for being accessories to crime. Fifty-five persons – including Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan – were acquitted. 

"The Maguindanao Massacre marks a dark chapter in recent Philippine history that represents merciless disregard for the sacredness of human life, as well as the violent suppression of press freedom. This savage affront to human rights should never have a duplication in this country’s history," Panelo said.

What does Duterte say? Asked for President Rodrigo Duterte's reaction to the historic verdict, Panelo said he had yet to speak to the President on the matter.

"I don't know if he (Duterte) was already awake at the time because that is his sleeping time. Last night we were so late again and I noticed he was very tired because past midnight na kami natapos (we finished past midnight)," he said.

Panelo refused to issue a personal comment on the outcome of what has been called the trial of the century as he stuck to the Palace's statement saying it respected the court's decision.

"Whatever I say might be misinterpreted, so I'd rather not," he said.

While representing Datu Andal Ampatuan Jr 5 years ago, Panelo said in a 2014 interview with the Philippine Star he was "more convinced" the Ampatuan clan was framed up by political opponents who wanted to seize power in the province.

The work is far from over: Panelo said that while the promulgation of judgement in the high-profile case had been handed down, "the narrative on the protection of media workers is far from over." He cited the work of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, whose creation was facilitated through Duterte's first administrative order as president.

"The President and the whole of government see this as a constant trial and is 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," he said.

Under the Duterte administration, unprecedented data of media attacks have been recorded, with 128 attacks on the press seen from June 30, 2016, up to April 30, 2019, according to the Freedom for Media, Freedom for All Network. Of this number, 12 are cases of killings. – Rappler.com