Cotabato City village chief acquitted of murder raps

Map of Cotabato city

COTABATO CITY — In tears, Akmad Urak stepped out of jail emotionally in this city on Thursday, along with seven others, after a court acquitted them of murder charges in relation to a violent incident in the run-up to the village and youth polls last Oct. 30.

“I am innocent of all the charges and the court has proven it,” Urak said.

“I saw it (release from detention) coming since, from the very start, I am innocent of the charges,” Urak added.

The accused were implicated in an attack last August and faced murder, attempted murder, and frustrated murder charges. Even before warrants were served against them, they turned themselves in to Mayor Bruce Matabalao.

He believes the charges were politically motivated.

While in detention, Urak pushed on with his candidacy for village chief of Tamontaka 1, eventually winning the seat.

This week, Cotabato City Regional Trial Court Branch 27 found that the evidence against him and his seven co-accused to pin on them responsibility for the August attack were wanting.

Hence, they were ordered released from detention.

Lawyer Asgar Mandal, Urak’s counsel, told reporters that Urak could now assume office any time.