Ampatuan helper identifies ex-boss Andal Sr. in massacre

MANILA, Philippines—A former helper of the Ampatuan clan came face to face with his former boss Andal Ampatuan Sr. and identified him in open court as the one who ordered the massacre of 57 people on Nov. 23, 2009.

“Siya po ang nag-utos ng pagpatay sa mga Mangudadatu at sa lahat ng tao [He was the one who ordered to kill the Mangudadatus and the rest of the people],” Lakmodin Saliao said as he pointed to Andal Sr.

“Si Sajid din po kasama sa meeting [Sajid was also in the meeting],” Saliao said as he also pointed to Sajid Ampatuan, Andal Sr.’s son, who was seated beside him.

He said Sajid was present during the November 17 meeting where they hatched the plan to ambush and kill the Mangudadatus.

Andal Sr. and Sajid Ampatuan were present during Wednesday’s trial.