Mangudadatu says rival tried to kill him

Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, second from right, whose wife and sister were among those who were killed in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre, arrives to testify in the ongoing trial at a detention cell which has been converted into a courtroom at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. AP

MANILA, Philippines—Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu said his political rival tried to kill him and his brother months before a 2009 election-related massacre of 57 people.

Mangudadatu testified at the massacre trial Thursday that the main suspect in the 2009 killings had sent hundreds of government soldiers, police and civilian militia to attack his brother’s residence on the pretext that a Muslim rebel was hiding there.

The man who allegedly ordered the attack, Andal Ampatuan Sr., was the Maguindanao governor at the time and Mangudadatu was his rival. About four months later, Ampatuan allegedly ordered gunmen to kill 57 people, including Mangudadatu’s wife, who were en route to contest local elections.

Mangudadatu said he prevented the attack at his brother’s residence by persuading gunmen to withdraw.