New arrest warrants out for 135 Maguindanao massacre suspects

MANILA, Philippines – A Quezon City judge has issued new arrest warrants against 135 suspects in the Maguindanao massacre who are still at large.

The new warrants issued by Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 are for the 57th count of murder filed against the suspects by the prosecution, which initially filed 56 counts of murder – one for each of the victims in the Nov. 23, 2009 killings.

Among the 135 fugitives are 21 members of the Ampatuan clan, 15 policemen and three soldiers.

In the same order, Solis-Reyes also set for tomorrow morning the arraignment of Andal Ampatuan Jr. and 20 other accused. The arraignment will be held in the Quezon City Jail annex at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Apart from Ampatuan Jr., other suspects who will be arraigned are Superintendent Abdulwahid Pedtucasan, Chief Inspector Sukarno Dicay, Senior Inspector Abdulgapor Abad, PO1 Michael Macarongon, PO1 Mohammad Balading, PO3 Rasid Anton, Takpan Dilon, Esmael Canapia, PO2 Hernanie Decipulo Jr., PO2 Saudiar Ulah, PO2 Saudi Pasutan, PO1 Herich Amaba, PO1 Esprielito Lejarso, PO1 Rainer Ebus, Inspector Rex Ariel Diongon, Inspector Michael Joy Macaraeg, PO1 Pia Kamidon, Muhamad Sangki, Maot Dumla, and Thong Guimano.

But the judge deferred the arraignment of several others “pending resolution of their respective motions.” They include Andal Ampatuan Sr., Zaldy Ampatuan, Anwar Ampatuan, Akmad Ampatuan Sr., Sajud Ampatuan, Superintendent Bahnarin Kamaon, PO1 Sandy Sabang, Superintendent Abusama Maguid, SPO2 Badawi Bakal, PO3 Abibudin Abdulgani, and SPO1 Ali Solano.