Wife of Maguindanao massacre suspect charged for failing to file SALNs

The mayor of Shariff Saydona Mustapha town in Maguindanao is facing charges for failing to file her statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs).

The Office of the Ombudsman on Monday said it found probable cause to charge Mayor Bai Zandria Ampatuan with four counts of violation of Section 8 of Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees

“Records show that Ampatuan failed to file her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) from 2009 to 2011, including her entry SALN upon assuming office as acting mayor in 2009,” the Ombudsman said in a statement.

The Ombudsman also ordered the suspension of Ampatuan for six months after she was found guilty of simple neglect of duty in a related administrative case filed against her.

Bai Zandria Ampatuan is the wife of former Maguindanao Vice-Governor Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan, a suspect in the Maguindanao Massacre in 2009 where 58 persons, including journalists, were killed. /ee

READ: Maguindanao massacre: Not one accused convicted after 8 years