Zaldy Ampatuan requests transfer to infirmary

MANILA, Philippines — Maguindanao massacre convict Zaldy Ampatuan has asked the court to allow his transfer to the infirmary of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes will hear tomorrow the plea of Ampatuan, who was sentenced to 40 years in prison for 57 counts of murder.

In a three-page motion, Ampatuan’s lawyers asked the court to allow him to undergo therapy, rehabilitation and medication as prescribed by his doctors.

Prior to the promulgation of judgment on Dec. 19, the former governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was confined for almost two months at the Makati Medical Center after losing consciousness in October.

Medical reports submitted to the court later showed that Ampatuan suffered a stroke, which resulted in plegic or paralyzed left arm and difficulty in walking.

He was seen wearing an arm support during the promulgation of judgment, wherein he was convicted along with his brothers Andal Jr. and Anwar Sr.

Ampatuan’s lawyers stressed the need for him to be transferred to the NBP infirmary “so as not to put his health in jeopardy.”

They said the former governor would strictly comply with all logistics, security and other administrative measures that the court would impose should it grant the request for his transfer.

Two days before the promulgation, Solis-Reyes ordered Ampatuan returned to his detention facility at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, noting he was merely undergoing medical management and rehabilitation that could be done in an outpatient setup.

Ampatuan was transferred to the NBP along with other convicts immediately after the verdict was handed down.

In her 761-page decision, Solis-Reyes said Ampatuan is still liable for the massacre despite not participating in the actual killings.

She said the accused knew of the murder plot and that his actions still “had for their purpose the attainment of their common objective of committing the unlawful act.”

Ampatuan had filed a notice informing the court that he would directly appeal the verdict.

No objection

Maguindanao Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu said he would not object to Ampatuan’s request to be transferred to the NBP infirmary.

“If he is as sick as he and his lawyers claim to be, we’ll leave it up to the NBP doctors and experts to determine it. I am not against him seeking medical assistance as long as it is done within the confines of the NBP infirmary in Muntinlupa,” Mangudadatu said in a statement.

He asked the court to be careful and consider safety, should it grant Ampatuan’s request.

Mangudadatu said the court must ensure that Ampatuan would be kept within the infirmary and should not be allowed to undergo treatment at the Makati Medical Center or any private hospital that offers comfort.

“My 10-year court battle with this family showed me how devious and calculating they are. It’s not far-fetched for them to consider the option of escaping. If that ever happens, it will be hard for the authorities to catch them again,” Manguadatu warned.

He questioned why Ampatuan’s motion to transfer was filed on Dec. 23, yet it was made public only on Jan. 2. 

“That alone raises suspicion. I can only hope that I am wrong for my sake and for the sake of the families who lost their loved ones in the massacre,” Mangudadatu said.