Andal Sr. on son's medical, mental health exam: Me, too

MANILA, Philippines - After Maguindanao massacre suspect Zaldy Ampatuan was allowed to undergo a medical exam and see a mental health doctor, his father and co-accused now wants to be checked by a government physician.

Andal Ampatuan Sr., through his lawyer, filed an urgent motion Thursday afternoon, claiming he is suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes and pulmonary emphysema.

The 67-year-old clan patriarch described himself as sickly and said these were his illnesses when he was arrested for rebellion on Dec. 5, 2009. He said he was eventually diagnosed last March to be fit for incarceration in a jail cell.

However, his lawyer said his ailments have recurred because of the heat and humidity in his cell and the stress caused by his detention at the facility in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Andal Sr. said government doctors should examine him again and recommend treatments for his ailments. 

Zaldy earlier cited shortness of breath and diabetes and asked for a medical exam. He also asked to see a government mental health doctor and mentioned bouts of depression, among others.

Both requests were granted by the court. The medical exam pushed through Thursday, but Zaldy has asked the court to keep the results confidential.