11 arraigned for Maguindanao massacre

MANILA, Philippines - One month before the fourth anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre, 11 suspects – including the one arrested last week – were arraigned yesterday for the multiple murder case filed in connection with the Nov. 23, 2009 incident.

Alimudin Sanguyod, also known as Norudin Malang and Norudin Garaputay, pleaded not guilty to the 58 counts of murder during his arraignment at the Quezon City Jail-Annex in Camp Bagong Diwa.

He was arrested by authorities in Maguindanao on Oct. 18. He was brought to Manila on Tuesday and was ordered committed to Camp Bagong Diwa, where the other arrested suspects are currently detained.

Following the issuance of the commitment order on Tuesday, Sanguyod officially became the 108th suspect arrested for the massacre.

He was also 104th person arraigned for the initial 57 counts of murder.

Meanwhile, the 10 suspects scheduled to be arraigned for the 58th murder case refused to enter pleas, prompting the court to enter a not guilty plea for them yesterday.

Court records show Moktar Daud, Mohades Ampatuan, Macton Bilungan, Misuari Ampatuan, Tato Sampogao, Taya Bangkulat, Salik Bangkulat, Ibrahim Tatak, Norman Tatak, and Maot Dumla already pleaded not guilty to 57 counts of murder.

The proceedings for the 58th murder case were held later than the rest as it was only filed last year.

The arraignment of the 10 came after their lawyer Andres Manuel manifested that he is willing to have his clients arraigned for the alleged death of the supposed 58th victim, photojournalist Reynaldo Momay.