Mangudadatu fears poll failure

MANILA, Philippines - The private armed group of the Ampatuan clan, including some 100 suspects in the Maguindanao massacre, is intact and has regrouped in different parts of Mindanao, according to Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu.

Mangudadatu said that despite continued raids by the police and military, the armed group has remained a force to reckon with.

He said more than 2,000 armed Ampatuan followers have splintered into groups and set up temporary strongholds in Sulu, Zamboanga and on the border of Maguindanao and neighboring provinces in preparation for the 2010 election.

“I have already reported to authorities the massing of the Ampatuan armed groups. Each group has at least 300 armed men,” Mangudadatu said.

He said those in hiding included suspects in the multiple murder case now being tried before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.

Mangudadatu said he was informed that the groups were still holding over 1,000 high-powered firearms, including heavy weapons such as mortars, recoilless rifles and grenade launchers.

“They are preparing to sow terror in the coming election,” he said.

He said the game plan of the Ampatuan clan is to disrupt the elections so that there would be a failure of election in some parts of the country, including Maguindanao, Sulu and Zamboanga.

“I am appealing to President Arroyo to launch a massive manhunt for the suspects to ensure clean and honest election in Mindanao,” Mangudadatu said.

He said some of the Ampatuan followers have also sought refuge among relatives in Muslim communities in Alabang and Quezon City.

The vice mayor said these individuals who are hiding in Manila may just be cooling off and may return to Mindanao to rejoin the group.