2 more massacre suspects to be jailed in Taguig

MANILA, Philippines – Two more men charged in the Maguindanao massacre, one of them a member of the Ampatuan clan, have been ordered transferred to Metro Manila following their arrest in Mindanao.

Jonathan Sangki Ampatuan and Macton Bilungan are the latest to be arrested in connection with the multiple murder case.

Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 has issued a commitment order for the two suspects to be detained at the Quezon City Jail Annex in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City while the case is being heard.

Superintendent Jacinto Rodriguez Malinao Jr. of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said Ampatuan was arrested on Oct. 13 at Lemona Homes in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Malinao said Bilungan was arrested on Oct. 15 in Sitio Kakan in Cotabato City.

According to Malinao, the suspects each have a P250,000 bounty on their head. There are 196 people accused in the multiple murder case, including Andal Ampatuan Sr. and Andal Ampatuan Jr.

The Nov. 23, 2009 massacre resulted in the death of 57 people, including 30 journalists.