No orders yet to look into Ampatuans' alleged wealth

Malacañang has yet to issue instructions to investigate the alleged wealth amassed by the Ampatuan clan, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said on Wednesday.

Ermita made these remarks after reports indicated that the Ampatuans supposedly own several properties, including a number of mansions in Metro Manila. But at the same time, he said that it is up to two government agencies – the Office of the Ombudsman and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) – to investigate the matter. The government is currently focused on investigations and inquest proceedings, including collection of evidence and witnesses’ testimonies. “I don’t know of any directives [regarding the matter]," Ermita said. “[The matter] has to be looked into and maybe the Ombudsman itself could very well institute their own initial action without any effort from Malacañang." “Hindi naman puwedeng pagsabay-sabayin (You just can’t do them all at the same time)," he said. He added that the Anti-Money Laundering Council may also take a look at the reported illegal wealth. Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that it is monitoring 28 mansions in Mindanao and Metro Manila which are suspected to be owned by Ampatuan clan members. Several houses are also allegedly being used by their security escorts. Houses currently under observation include nine mansions in Davao City, five in Cotabato City, four in Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao, three in Tacurong City, two in Koronadal City, and one each in Cavite, in Dasmariñas Village in Makati, in Palanan also in Makati City, in San Andres Bukid in Manila, and in Tandang Sora Avenue in Quezon City. - with RJAB, Jr./TJD, GMANews.TV