Zaldy Ampatuan to have PGH checkup under heavy guard, say gov’t prosecutors

State lawyers called for strict security measures as they allowed Zaldy Ampatuan, an accused in the Maguindanao massacre case, to undergo a medical checkup at the Philippine General Hospital.

“The leniency and human consideration provided by the prosecution panel … is subject to further condition that strict and tight security measures be exercised by the BJMP during his transport to the medical facility and back to his detention cell,” said the prosecution’s comment on Ampatuan’s motion.

“The possibility of his escape at any point being high, considering his connections, previous position as ARMM governor and familiar prominence,” the prosecution added.

Assistant State Prosecutors Olivia Torrevillas, Susan Villanueva, Tofel Austria and Clarissa Kuong signed the comment filed in the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221.

They noted that Dr. Jaime Claveria, medical officer of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, has recommended a series of medical tests after examining Ampatuan.

According to the motion, Ampatuan has been suffering from chest pains, shortness of breath and acute bouts of extreme exhaustion. He asked to be brought to the Philippine Heart Center, where he was also hospitalized in 2011 for diabetes and coronary problems.

The prosecution, however, said the PGH had the complete laboratory facilities that could address his needs.

In a separate comment, the public prosecutors have also allowed Ampatuan’s father, former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., to remain confined at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute for treatment of liver cancer.

The two are among the accused in the Nov. 23, 2009, Maguindanao massacre case that killed 58 people, including 32 media workers.