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4 years after Ampatuan Massacre, 88 suspects still at large
Only eight suspects in the November 2009 Maguindanao massacre have been arrested this year, with the remaining 88 of the 196 accused still at large and roaming free four years after the grisly killings.
Likewise, none of the seven Ampatuan clan members who remain at large to this day have been arrested in 2013, based on data provided to GMA News Online by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 which hears the multiple murder case.
These prominent suspects are:
- Datu Saudi Ampatuan Jr
- Datu Bahnarin Ampatuan
- Datu Kanor Ampatuan
- Datu Moning Ampatuan
- Datu Mama Ampatuan
- Datu Hafrris Ampatuan, and
- Kaglamar Ampatuan
Each one of these prominent suspects carries the highest bounty of P300,000 on his head.
To compare, authorities arrested 12 suspects at the time of the massacre's second anniversary in 2011.
Two other suspects considered "big fish" who each carried the P300,000 bounty were arrested that year: Tumi Timba Abas and Dukoy Badal.
Then in 2012, eight were also arrested, including two prominent Ampatuan clan members, namely: Datu Anwar Upham "Ulo" Ampatuan and Datu Anwar "Ipi" Ampatuan Jr.
But this year, apart from not arresting any prominent Ampatuan clan member, authorities have only arrested one suspect that carries the P300,000 bounty: Talembo "Tammy" Masukat, who was collared on February 16.
The six others arrested this year carried a lower bounty of P250,000 each:
- Nasser Guia, arrested on February 8
- Maot Bangkulat, April 8;
- Kudza Uguia Masukat, April 15;
- Edris Nanding Tekay, May 28;
- Mama Nomba Habib, July 25; and
- Alimudin Sanguyod, October 18.
An eighth suspect, Maguid Amil, was killed by authorities after resisting arrest in Maguindanao on February 8. Amil reportedly hurled a grenade and fired at one of the arresting officers.
As of posting time, the total number of arrested suspects stands at 108.
Of this number, 104 have been arraigned and all pleaded not guilty to the multiple murder charges.
Among those arraigned are the eight prominent Ampatuan clan members, including patriarch Andal Ampatuan Sr, a former Maguindanao governor, as well as his three sons, Andal Jr, Rizaldy, and Sajid.
Considered the worst single-day election-related violence in Philippine history, the Maguindanao massacre claimed the lives of 58 people, including 32 journalists, who were part of a convoy that was supposed to register then Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu, an Ampatuan rival in the gubernatorial race for the 2010 automated polls.
They were said to have been stopped at a checkpoint at Sitio Masalay in Barangay Salman, Ampatuan town and gunned down by armed men led by the Ampatuans. Mangudadatu eventually won as governor.
Like in previous years, GMA News Online has come up with an updated list below of the suspects already behind bars and those who are still enjoying freedom to this day.
—KG, GMA News
Infographic by Analyn Perez
—KG, GMA News
Infographic by Analyn Perez
