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Stress, ‘ghosts’ haunt Andal Jr. inside NBI jail


KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY. Among the media casualties in the November 23 massacre in Ampatuan, Maguindanao. (From L-R) Victor Nuñez (UNTV); Mark Gilbert Arriola (UNTV); Jolito Evardo (from UNTV who is still missing); Daniel Tiamzon (UNTV);Alejandro Reblando (Manila Bulletin); Rey Merisco (Periodico Ini); Gina dela Cruz (Saksi News); Lea Dalmacio (Socsargen News); Napoleon Salaysay (Mindanao Gazette); Benjie Adolfo (Gold Star Daily); Ronie Perante (Gold Star Daily); Rubello Bataluna (Gold Star Daily)
“Stress" is catching up on Andal Ampatuan Jr., the prime suspect in the massacre in Maguindanao province that left at least 57 people dead, in his detention cell inside the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) compound in Manila. He is also sleeping near the visitors' area for fear of "ghosts," according to Ricardo Diaz, chief of the NBI’s Counter-Terrorism Unit and concurrent spokesman for the Maguindanao massacre case. "Takot daw siya sa multo. Natutulog siya sa [He says he’s afraid of ghosts that’s why we allowed him to sleep on a] bench and he wrapped himself with a comforter. There is an electric fan near him kasi naiinitan siya [because of the humidity]," Diaz said. The NBI official also said that early Monday, the beleaguered mayor of Datu Unsay town in Maguindanao had vomited, although his doctor, Roberto Ray Santiago, said he is not suffering from a serious condition. “He [Ampatuan] vomited and Doctor Santiago said he is okay now. The doctor said he vomited because of stress," Diaz said. Diaz said Ampatuan is continuously taking his maintenance drugs for asthma. Aside from "ghosts," Ampatuan is also worried about attempts on his life, Diaz said, adding that Ampatuan had rejected several food sent to him by people claiming to be his relatives. "There is food which supposedly came from an uncle whom he did not know. He did not eat that. It’s his right. He said there is threat against him life," Diaz said. Ampatuan, whose political clan is said to be feared and powerful in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces, allegedly ordered the killing of 57 people, among them members of the rival Mangudadatu clan. Several lawyers and journalists were also killed in the massacre, which has received worldwide condemnation, including those from the United Nations and the European Union. Ampatuan surrendered Thursday last week and was flown to Manila. Multiple murder charges are expected to be filed against him on Tuesday. Ampatuan was tested negative for illegal drugs last week, but his urine test found traces of Rivotril, a sleeping pill. - KBK/RSJ, GMANews.TV
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