MANILA, Philippines—Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo said Thursday that he had seen the Ampatuans in two surprise visits he made at the Bureau of Jail and Management Penology (BJMP) facility.
“Para naman po fair sa BJMP, ako po mismo nakita ko po sila at wala pong special privileges na ibinibigay [To be fair to the BJMP, I myself have seen them and they are not being given special privileges],” Robredo said over Radyo Inquirer in an interview.
Andal Ampatuan Sr., and his son, Zaldy Ampatuan, are two of the accused in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre in which 58 people, including 32 media workers, were killed.
Attorney Harry Roque, lawyer of the kin of the massacre victims, has been airing allegations that it is uncertain whether the Ampatuans are actually in BJMP.
Robredo assured the public that anyone who wants to make surprise visits to the facility can do so.
“They just have to call me,” Robredo said.
For the full interview, listen to Radyo Inquirer, DZIQ 990 AM. <strong><em>Fatima Reyes</em></strong>