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MANILA, Philippines - Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno on Wednesday vowed to give ample security to the Quezon City judge who will try the murder case of Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr.

Puno gave the assurance to 24 judges of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) after one of their own, Judge Luisito Cortez of Branch 84, refused to accept the case due to security concerns.

In a meeting on Wednesday, Puno reminded the 24 RTC judges that inhibiting from the case would diminish confidence in the country's judicial system. He said the Philippine National Police will provide round-the-clock security to the judge, as well as the judge's family handling the case.

The Supreme Court earlier granted the Department of Justice's request to transfer the venue of the multiple murder case from Cotabato City to Quezon City due to possible security threats to prosecutors and witnesses.

It was learned that out of 24 judges of the RTC, most were reluctant from taking the case of Ampatuan. The case is connected to the massacre of 57 innocent civilians in Ampatuan, Maguindanao last November 23, which is the worst election-related killing in Philippine history.

During the meeting, Cortez gave several reasons for turning down the Ampatuan massacre case after it was raffled off to his sala.

Aside from concern for his family's security, he said his heavy case workload in handling two branches would hinder him from giving ample time to the case.

He also cited previous experiences of an ambush and death threats from handling sensational cases. Cortez survived an assassination attempt while serving a stint in Plaridel, Bulacan. He has also received death threats after he took on the case of murdered Abra Congressman Luis “Chito” Bersamin.

Cortez said he is ready to be castigated by the court for his decision. He said he followed the process on inhibition. He also said he is handling many celebrated cases. He said Ampatuan is not the only taxpayer, and in his personal assessment, there are other cases that also deserve equal attention.

Puno clarified that there is still no threat to the life of Cortez so it cannot be said that he inhibited because he was afraid. He said the Court en banc will study if Cortez's decision for inhibiting from the case is valid and does not constitute dereliction of duty.

Asked if Cortez's reasons are acceptable to the Supreme Court, he said this will be on a case-to-case basis.

The judges agreed that existing rules and processes will be followed and a re-raffling of the case will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. They also gave their commitment to the Chief Justice that they would not inhibit themselves from trying the murder case.

The chief justice said he is planning to visit courts in General Santos City, Cotabato City and Sultan Kudarat to provide moral support to judges who will handle the numerous court cases being filed against the Ampatuans and their supporters