Accused in Maguindanao massacre to run for mayor

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Out on bail, one of the accused in the Maguindanao massacre, filed on Monday his candidacy for the mayorship of Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao.

Mary Ann Marohombsar, Shariff Aguak election officer, said in a phone interview that Sajid Islam Ampatuan, one of the sons of the late former Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., filed his candidacy at 9 a.m. Monday.

Sajid is running with incumbent Shariff Aguak Vice Mayor Bai Anhara Ampatuan who is seeking reelection, according to Marohombsar.

Sajid will be running under the United Nationalist Alliance party. He will be challenging his uncle, incumbent Mayor Datu Maroph Ampatuan and his aunt, former Mayor Zahara Ampatuan. SFM