Warring clans warned to behave in Davao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has given assurance that the children and other members of the Ampatuan and Mangudadatu families residing in this city will be protected from harm.

Duterte, however, warned the warring clans not bring their feud in the city.

“What is the sin of the father would not necessarily mean the sin of the children. The children of both families should be spared of the trouble and they should be protected,” the mayor said.

Duterte said that by protection, he means none of the Ampatuan and Mangudadatu families in the city would be hurt, molested or killed.

“Both families have requested protection for their children while here in Davao City. And we are giving both families the protection they have sought,” the mayor said.

Both the Ampatuans and Mangudadatus have residences in high-end subdivisions in the city. The children of both clans have also been studying in top schools in the city.

“If you (Ampatuans and Mangudadatus) bring your trouble in Davao City, then it would be a three-cornered fight. It would be the Ampatuan, Mangudadatu and Duterte factions,” Duterte said as a warning to both families.

After Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. was tagged as the mastermind of the murder of 57 civilians last week that included Mangudadatu women, members of the Ampatuan clan have avoided passing the Davao-Cotabato highway fearing retribution attacks. 

Since the massacre, the Ampatuans have taken the Philippine Airlines (PAL) flights from Davao City to Manila and then the noon flight from Manila to Cotabato to make it to their main house in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

The children of Automous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan reportedly took PAL 810 flight to Manila at 6:30 Saturday morning and then the 12:10 p.m. PAL flight from Manila to Cotabato City.

Another large group of Ampatuans have also reportedly took the first PAL flight of Davao City yesterday morning and then the 12:10 noon flight from Manila to Cotabato City.