Clan henchman in on the crime, claims Maguindanao massacre suspect

MANILA, Philippines—Maguindanao massacre accused Andal Ampatuan Jr. asked the Supreme Court on Wednesday to order the Department of Justice (DoJ) to prosecute alleged clan henchman Kenny Dalandag in connection with the said massacre.

Ampatuan said, in his petition, that Dalandag admitted to being present at the planning of the Maguindanao massacre, and that he was one of the armed men who executed the plan, manned the checkpoint at Sitio Matagabong, and waited for the Mangudadatu convoy to arrive. He also alleged that Dalandag was present when the victim’s convoy was flagged down, and was present when those in the convoy were killed.

“The foregoing admissions are more than sufficient evidence to establish that Dalandag is the most guilty of the accused, having had participation at all stages of the Maguindanao massacre from its planning to its execution,” Ampatuan’s petition said.

The petition noted that “Dalandag’s non-inclusion in the Maguindanao massacre, inasmuch as Dalandag’s non-inclusion in the Information despite his admission of guilt, constitutes unequal treatment of accused violative of the equal protection clause of the Constitution.”

The petition likewise noted that the Witness Protection Program should not be used protect Dalandag. “Neither was it created to be used as an armor by one who is not the least guilty among a multitude of accused, and witnesses with direct knowledge of the incident,” the petition said.