Photos of Ampatuan out of jail taken last year—Secretary Robredo

ONE-YEAR-OLD EVIDENCE. Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo says the photos given by Governor Esmael Mangudadatu of Andal Ampatuan Sr. out of jail were taken last year. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS

MANILA, Philippines – Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo said Governor Esmael Mangudadatu admitted to him Friday night that the pictures he presented to the media showing Andal Ampatuan Sr. roaming freely in Camp Bagong Diwa were taken last year.

Robredo said Mangudadatu told him that he could not produce photos taken this year showing continued VIP treatment for the Ampatuans and other high-profile inmates at Camp Bagong Diwa.

Robredo called the Philippine Daily Inquirer Friday night to make the clarification after his conversation with Mangudadatu. He said the governor did not say when exactly the pictures where taken or by whom, although Robredo said he surmised they were taken probably in August or so.

He said the lapses in security for the VIP inmates had been addressed.

Asked what could have prompted Mangudadatu to present the photos now, instead of then, Robredo said he guessed it was out of anger when jail authorities refused to allow a surprise inspection of Ampatuan’s cell last Thursday.