Ampatuan nephew told to lose weight

MANILA, Philippines - A nephew of clan patriarch Andal Ampatuan Sr., who has sought treatment outside the Camp Bagong Diwa jail where he is detained, has been told by a government doctor that all he needs to do to improve his health is to lose weight.

Akmad “Tato” Ampatuan, who is also his uncle’s son-in-law, had earlier asked Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes to allow him to undergo medical examination or treatment at the Philippine General Hospital or any other government facility “as his long and unjustified detention” has already taking its toll on his health. He complained of “frequent (bouts of) fatigue, weakness and dizziness.”

Records showed that a medical representative from RGO Laboratory and Industrial Diagnostic Center Inc. collected blood and urine samples from Ampatuan.

All of Ampatuan’s laboratory test results are within normal limits, according to a medical report submitted to the judge by Senior Inspector Jaime Claveria, roving physician of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

“His present complaint is due to his increase in weight. The accused is advised for weight reduction,” read the medical report.

In a recent order, Solis-Reyes denied Akmad’s request after he failed to provide supporting documents to prove that he needs to undergo examination and treatment outside the Quezon City Jail Annex.