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MANILA, Philippines—Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Chief Rosendo Dial ordered an investigation on the alleged special treatment accorded to Andal Ampatuan Sr. and the five other Ampatuans who are principal accused in the massacre of 58 people including more than 30 members of the media.
“This morning, we have been instructed by the Secretary (Interior and Local Government Secretary Jess Robredo) to conduct a full-blown investigation on the allegations of special treatment given to the Ampatuans,” Dial said in an interview over 990AM’s Tapatan with Jay Sonza and Den Macaranas.
“We have requested the governor (Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu) to provide us copies of the photos he has shown to the media,” he said.
Mangudadatu on Thursday showed to the media photos of the perks enjoyed by the Ampatuans even inside prison. Some of the special privilege includes the use of cellular phones, visitors even at night, his personal cook, massage, among others. The BJMP earlier said an accused inside Quezon City Jail Annex, where all accused in the Maguindanao massacre are detained is allowed only a maximum of three visitors but no one is allowed to stay overnight or visit at night.
Inmates’ relatives and lawyers are allowed to visit from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays to Fridays, and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. No visits are allowed on Mondays.
Mangudadatu’s revelation came after tension went up inside the jail warden’s office in Camp Bagong Diwa when he and other massacre victims’ relatives insisted on an on-the-spot inspection of the Ampatuans’ cells while the clan’s defense lawyer was seen entering the premises casually.
Dial said the jail warden did not allow the complainants to go inside to avoid confrontation between the victims and the inmates.
At the same time, denied allegations that unlike the prosecution, defense lawyer Arnel Manaloto (previously identified by the prosecution team as Philip Ang) can freely move around the warden’s office.
“Bibilisan po namin ang investigation, [We will have a fast investigation] he added. Danica Hermogenes, INQUIRER.net
For the full interview, listen to Radyo Inquirer DZIQ 990AM.