Another Maguindano massacre suspect nabbed

COTABATO CITY, Philippines—Another suspect in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre was arrested while he was being treated for injuries at a private hospital here following an explosion in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao, the police said.

Senior Supt. Marcelo Pintac, Maguindanao police chief, identified the suspect as Ipeh Ampatuan, son of another suspect, former Mayor Anwar Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

Pintac said Ipeh was one of several people on board a motorized banca along a river in Barangay Libutan when an explosion occurred at about 4 p.m. Sunday.

“He was in the company of Dagadas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front when the blast happened,” Pintac said, adding that one was confirmed dead.

Six other persons who were alleged MILF members were also wounded and were brought by MILF to undisclosed place in Maguindanao.

Pintac could not say if Dagadas was one of the fatalities. Police are also determining if Ipeh was being protected by the MILF.

Ipeh was rushed to the Notre Dame Hospital in Cotabato City where a warrant of arrest in connection with the Maguindanao massacre was served on him.

According to Pintac, Ipeh sustained shrapnel injuries to the chest and other parts of the body.

Col. Jose Dorotheo Jalandoni, chief of 7th Marine Battalion Landing Team based in this city, said Marine soldiers were tasked to provide security for Ipeh.

“We are securing him against his enemies and ensure that he could not run away from the law,” Jalandoni said.

Epih has a pending warrant of arrest for his alleged involvement in the brutal slay of at least 57 civilians, mostly media workers in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao on Nov. 23, 2009.