De Lima says Akmad Ampatuan now a gov’t witness

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Friday confirmed that former Datu Salibo town Mayor Akmad Ampatuan is now under the government’s Witness Protection Program (WPP). He is one of the accused in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre case.

Akmad Ampatuan is a close relative and a trusted man of Andal Ampatuan Sr., one of the principal accused in the massacre case.

De Lima said Akmad Ampatuan is one of the major witnesses in the second wave of complaints against 50 new suspects including 14 Ampatuans, four of which are incumbent mayors in Maguindanao.

“He is under WPP. He is covered by the WPP. He is one of the major witnesses in the second wave of complaints,” de Lima said.

She said he is one of the two witnesses in the second wave of complaint.

“He is a crucial witness so kinuha namin s’ya under WPP,” de Lima said.

She also ordered the WPP office to file the appropriate manifestation and motion before the Cotabato Regional Trial Court to inform them that he is under government protection.

“We are asserting our authority that he should be under our custody,” she said.

The Cotabato RTC recently issued a warrant of arrest for Akmad Ampatuan who is facing charges of arson and murder.

Akmad Ampatuan, along with two companions who are also witnesses, was ambushed last Nov. 18. Denix Sakal, said to be a close aide of detained Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan Jr. was killed in the attack. Sukarno “Butch” Saudagal was wounded.

“Fortunately he survived and biglang nagkainteres sa kaso,” de Lima said.

RELATED STORIES

CA dismisses appeal of Maguindanao Mayor Akmad Ampatuan

Court to arraign 2 more Ampatuans for Maguindanao massacre on June 26