990AM: Andal Ampatuan Sr. wants arraignment, says lawyer

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MANILA, Philippines – Maguindanao Massacre suspect Andal Ampatuan Sr. asked on Thursday that he be arraigned, lawyer Harry Roque said over Radyo Inquirer 990AM.

“It is true that Andal Sr. volunteers to be arraigned,” said Roque, counsel for the victims’ families, after the court suspended arraignment proceedings.

Asked if he was surprised with the move, Roque said, “Honestly, I’m not,” adding, “They [the Ampatuans] were expecting that something would happen with the case of his son [Andal Jr.] and what he wants is to continue what he cannot stop.”

Regarding the victims’ families, Roque said, “The family of the victims are starting to lose faith because even though it’s voluntary, the arraignment still did not happen.”

Asked if the court offered any explanation, Roque said, “There is no explanation, the judge just said that by Friday, he will issue an order regarding our motion that requests that all of them be read their sentence.”

The government filed multiple murder cases against Andal Ampatuan Jr. on Nov. 28 2009, days after 58 people, including over 30 journalists, were found massacred in Maguindanao. Andal Jr.’s father and uncle, former Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao Governor Zaldy Ampatuan, are also detained for the same charges.

“All of them, not just one.” Roque said of their request to want all of the suspects arraigned.

“That’s why they need to be arraigned because their lawyer already manifested that the hearing of the case would push through and that he would recall witnesses,” said Roque.

Asked if they were allowed to see where the Ampatuans were being detained, Roque said, “No, and until now we have yet to see Unsay [Andal Jr.’s nickname] here in court.”

Tension gripped Camp Bagong Diwa earlier on Thursday after Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu, Roque and the victims’ families were asked to wait for an hour in the jail warden’s office on their request to see the Ampatuans and their cell while the clan’s defense lawyer was seen entering the premises casually.

As of posting time, Roque was on his way to see Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo to seek his help in facilitating the approval of their request by the local court. Roemart Tamayo, Contributor

For the full report, listen to Radyo Inquirer, DZIQ 990AM.