Court allows Zaldy Ampatuan to visit ailing dad

THE Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 has allowed former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Zaldy Ampatuan to visit his ailing father, former Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), both principal accused in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre case.

In its order, Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes also allowed Zaldy Ampatuan to undergo Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI) test at the Philippine Heart Center as recommended by his physician, Dr. Danilo S. Kuizon.

“Taking into consideration the recommendation of Dr. Danilo S. Kuizon in order to determine accused’ current physical condition, and given that the prosecution had raised no objection to the motion, the Court deems it proper to grant the prayer that he be allowed to undergo the MPI test,” the court said.

“Anent the second relief being prayed for, in view of the issuance of a Certification by Dr. Jade Jamias which shows that Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr., is being managed as a case of advanced liver cancer with signs of decompensation, for humanitarian reasons, the Court is inclined to allow accused to visit his father at the NKTI on July 2,” the court added.

The court gave Zaldy Ampatuan two hours to stay with his father at NKTI after his MPI test.

Then, the court ordered the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to transport him back to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig where he is detained.