Cop tagged in Maguindanao massacre pleads not guilty

MANILA, Philippines - A policeman accused in the Maguindanao massacre pleaded not guilty yesterday to 57 counts of murder.

Senior Inspector Abdulgapor Abad was accompanied by his lawyer, Tahir Lidasan, during his arraignment before the Regional Trial Court Branch 221. Court records show Abad is the 71st suspect to have entered his plea to the charges. Of the 196 suspects, only 95 have been arrested.

Members of the Ampatuan clan are among the primary suspects in the killing of 57 persons, including members of media, in Ampatuan town on Nov. 23, 2009.