Andal Sr. brought to military hospital for check-up

Manila, Philippines- Maguindanao massacre suspect Andal Ampatuan Sr. was brought to V. Luna Medical Center to have his skin condition examined but will be brought back to his cell at Camp Bagong Diwa once the examination is over, court staff said yesterday.

The staff of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes said her July 2 order did not state any confinement for Ampatuan Sr. and that he must be brought back to the Quezon City Jail Annex in Camp Bagong Diwa after his check-up.

However, a report by GMA-7 stated that Ampatuan Sr. may stay at the hospital for as long as a week.

Solis-Reyes allowed the suspect’s medical examination and treatment for shingles or herpes zoster. A jail doctor earlier diagnosed Ampatuan Sr. to be suffering from the skin disease and recommended that he be admitted to a hospital for a check-up and treatment.

Newly installed jail warden Chief Inspector Ermelito Moran told The STAR that Ampatuan Sr. was escorted by members of the police Special Action Force, Special Weapons and Tactics unit, Regional Mobile Group, an ambulance and a medical team during the 45-minute trip. The members of the convoy rode in seven cars.

Court staff said they will wait for a medical report from Ampatuan Sr.’s attending physician at V. Luna Medical Center once the check-up is done. The report is expected to contain a medical assessment and any treatment given to the suspect.

Court staff said Bureau of Jail Management and Penology personnel will watch over Ampatuan Sr. while he is at the military hospital.

Meanwhile, the families of the Maguindanao massacre victims objected to Ampatuan Sr.’s transfer to the hospital for an ordinary skin condition.

Police Officer 1 Eliver Cablitas, vice chairman of “The Heirs of 11/23 Heroes,” said Solis-Reyes’ order was not fair.

“He should not have been let out of his cell just for a skin disease. Andal Sr. is stronger than a carabao and he should not be given these considerations because the case against him is huge. It’s a big insult to us,” Cablitas said.

He added that Ampatuan Sr. should be guarded well because the clan is “powerful and has lots of connections.”

The victims’ families became angry upon knowing that Ampatuan Sr. was brought to the hospital in a sport utility vehicle instead of a police ambulance.

“When money talks, everybody listens. Where is the so-called justice now?” the group said. – Reinir Padua, Aie Balagtas See, Rose Tamayo-Tesoro