DOJ subpoenas Ampatuan patriarch, 4 kin
The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday subpoenaed five members of the powerful, Arroyo-allied Ampataun clan, including its patriarch, to face the investigation on the grisly massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao province last week. Covered by the subpoena were Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr.; Shariff Aguak Vice Mayor Ulo Ampatuan; Mamasapano Mayor Bahnarin Ampatuan; Salibo Vice Mayor Kanor Ampatuan; and Tony Kenis Ampatuan, a member of the police auxiliary in Shariff Aguak. Andal Sr.âs son and namesake, Datu Unsay town Mayor Andal Jr., is now detained at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after he was arrested Thursday last week. Also ordered to appear before the DOJ prior to the preliminary investigation on December 14 are six local executives and police officers in Maguindanao. They were: ⢠Muhamad Sangki, Sangunihang Bayan member in Datu Abdullah Sangki town; ⢠Tammy Masukat; ⢠Tumi Timba Abas, police auxiliary in Sharif Aguak; ⢠PO1 Abbey Guiadem, OIC of Datu Unsay Police; ⢠A certain alias âKumander Beri," civilian volunteers organization of Datu Unsay; and ⢠A certain alias âDahutay," a Cafgu assigned at Sitio Binibiran, Matagabong in Ampatuan The subpoena was based on the complaint filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) against the individuals being linked to the Nov. 23 carnage at Ampatuan town. The victims were on a six-vehicle convoy traveling to Shariff Aguak to formalize the gubernatorial candidacy of Buluan Vice Mayor Ismael âToto" Mangudadatu when waylaid by armed men allegedly upon orders by Andal Jr. Among those killed were 31 journalists covering the event and several unsuspecting motorists. The Mangudadatus are known political allies of the Ampatuans.