Zaldy Ampatuan to testify vs relatives

MANILA, Philippines - Suspended ARMM Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan is willing to testify against his family in connection with the Maguindanao massacre, his wife Johaira confirmed last night.

Johaira revealed her husband of 17 years will come clean on the carnage and testify against the “mastermind,” adding that he has already sent feelers to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for this intention.

She told reporters in the DOJ through a phone patch interview that Zaldy decided to tell everything he knows about the crime “in the name of truth and justice to the victims and those jailed without basis.”

“Not all Ampatuans are monsters. We also condemn the massacre that killed 57 people. We also want the real perpetrators to answer for their crimes,” Johaira said.

“We want to bring out the truth because many innocent people have been involved. As a mother and a wife, I know what it’s like to lose a loved one, that’s why we are one in crying for justice for the victims,” she said in Filipino.

Earlier, the suspended ARMM governor said he was willing to turn state witness in the massacre case, even if it means testifying against his father and brothers who are also implicated in the crime.

“Kahit sinong matamaan, basta pawang katotohanan lamang, handa ako, (Whoever gets implicated, as long as the truth comes out, I am ready),” he said in an interview with GMA News reporter Joseph Morong at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, where suspects in the massacre are detained.

GMA News said the interview took place two weeks ago, but Zaldy’s lawyer requested for an embargo, which was ended yesterday.

Johaira said they hope the Filipino people would open their mind and accept who really are the culprits and who are innocent of the crime.

“There are also those in the (Ampatuan) family who have done good. And this is what we want the people to realize,” she said.   – With Cecille Suerte Felipe