Security not a problem for Zaldy Ampatuan, says Justice Sec de Lima

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Justice does not see any problem providing security to suspended Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Zaldy Ampatuan.

Ampatuan recently requested additional security for himself,  and his family after announcing his willingness to testify against his relatives in the Maguindanao massacre trial.

“I don’t think there is a problem with that [because] it is the government’s duty to protect him,” said Justice Secretary Leila De Lima.

De Lima said Ampatuan asked Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo to give him and his family protection.

The Justice Chief said Ampatuan wants to be moved away from the detention quarters of his father and siblings for fear of his safety.

Aside from Zaldy Ampatuan, other members of the Ampatuan clan are currently detained at the Quezon City Jail Annex in Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig are the following : clan patriarch Andal Ampatuan Sr., former Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., former Shariff Aguak Mayor Datu Anwar Ampatuan, former vice governor Datu Sajid Ampatuan, and former Mamasapano Mayor Akmad Ampatuan.

“If it is within Camp Bagong Diwa, that won’t be a problem because it will be up to the BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology), and it is Sec. Robredo’s call,” De Lima said.

But if the suspended governor wants to be moved elsewhere, De Lima said the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 will make the final call.

Zaldy Ampatuan on Monday said he was willing to testify in the Maguindanao massacre trial where he and most of his family members were charged as principal accused.

The DoJ rejected the offer saying “to become a state witness, one has to have some participation to the crime and to be discharged as an accused and become state witness. He must not appear to be the most guilty.”

De Lima said what Zaldy is saying is contrary to the testimony of witnesses who say he was among those who planned the massacre.

De Lima added that the offer to testify could be a ploy.

“It is not  natural, human behavior to go against your father and brother, but of course these things happen. This is a harsh world.”

“Obviously he wants to save himself, and his family,” De Lima said.