Philippines massacre suspect in court

This is the sight that all the Philippines has waited for. The main suspect in the country's worst-ever political massacre, that left 57 dead, appearing before prosecutors in a bulletproof vest and handcuffs.

Andal Ampatuan Junior was in court to hear that witnesses will testify he was present when local security forces and militiamen ambushed a rival election caravan. They have also told investigators that Ampatuan shot a number of the victims himself. In total he is being charged with 40 counts of murder and although he denies the charges it is believed his lawyer is looking for a swift resolution the proceedings.

Dozens of Filipino journalists were outside the Justice Department Hall to shout at Ampatuan and shove pictures of the victims in his face. 30 of their colleagues were among the dead in the November 23 killings.

Ismael Mangudadatu, the rival politician whose wife and relatives were among those killed, told the media that he was "happy" knowing that the main suspect was brought to court.

On Saturday, Philippines President Gloria Arroyo lifted martial law in the southern province but Maguindanao will remain under a state of emergency, as authorities continued their investigation in to this appalling tragedy.

The Ampatuans have ruled Maguindanao for years and are allies of Arroyo, but the ruling party expelled them days after the killings.

What the Philippine nation will be watching very closely in the coming weeks is how Prosecutors will review police evidence against Ampatuan's father, the clan patriarch, and approximately 160 others.

They will also want answers as to the nature of the relationship between Gloria Aroyo's government and the Ampatuans.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Ampatuans
• Philippines
• massacre
• november 27
• Andal
• tragedy
• must watch
• see this
• don't miss
• Aroyo
• News Asian

[ATUDU777]

I have noticed something weird about this guy. He appears to be unfazed...or he is either a retard or a socially inept person. Is it possible someone masterminded this massacre and he is the moron who is the fall guy? This guy is not only evil, he definitely has the look of someone who has no idea of the gravity of the crime he committed or does not care. Public execution should be an option.

[SuperCrabbygirl]

Putang ina mo Ampatuan, mamatay k na sana at buong pamilya m!

[tubewog]

this will be watched to its conclusion, amen.

[kob370]

angas mgng pinoy

[MrRyan556677]

oi!!! proud to be pinoy........