Maguindanao mayor ordered arrested over mayor’s ambush

MANILA, Philippines — An Iligan City court on Friday ordered the arrest of Mayor Xyril Ampatuan of Datu Unsay, Maguindanao del Sur, and 11 others charged with terrorism in connection with the ambush on Mayor Akmad “Mitra” Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak town early this year.

Presiding Judge Alberto Quinto of Iligan City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 1 issued the arrest warrant against Xyril Ampatuan in connection with three counts of terrorism under Republic Act No. 11479. The charges are non-bailable.

Xyril Ampatuan is the son of Andal Ampatuan Jr., also a former town mayor and a primary suspect in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre that killed 58 people, including journalists.

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He is being accused of being involved in the ambush-slay of Mitra Ampatuan, a relative, who was aboard a black sport utility vehicle and trailed by his security escorts when they were hit by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) and a volley of gunfire on Jan. 25.

Aside from Xyril Ampatuan, the Iligan City RTC ordered the arrest of Ababang Salik (alias Babang), Edad Pendatun (alias Haider), Aboher Guimbangan, Toraipie Lusod, Gapor Magaluyan, Mohamad Uday (alias Tho Sapalon), Samsudin Mokamad, Saudi Guiapal, Johari Guiapal, Soy Kali and Datuben Gyon Allib Dimao.

In May, Mitra’s lawyers presented in a preliminary examination hearing at the Department of Justice the RPG allegedly used by his attackers. /das