Ampatuan nephew seeks medical treatment

MANILA, Philippines - A nephew of former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. has asked the court handling the multiple murder case to allow him to undergo medical examination as his “long and unjustified detention” has already taking its toll on his health.

In a three-page motion filed by defense counsel Emmanuel Brotarlo, Datu Akmad “Tato” Ampatuan Sr. – who also happens to be the son-in-law of Andal Sr. as he is the husband of the latter’s eldest daughter, Rebecca – said he is experiencing frequent fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.

Brotarlo asked Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes to allow Akmad to undergo medical examination at the Philippine General Hospital or any government hospital that the court deems convenient and appropriate.

The lawyer said Akmad, a diabetic, has no intention of avoiding the judicial process. “After all, Datu Tato still enjoys his constitutional right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty,” read the motion.

Brotarlo said Akmad is more than willing to be escorted and guarded during the duration of the medical checkup or treatment.

The motion maintained that Akmad did not commit the charges filed in connection with the Nov. 23, 2009 massacre.

Akmad is one of the five arrested members of Ampatuan clan who have yet to be arraigned for the multiple murder case. His arraignment is set on June 26 with his brothers-in-law Anwar Sr. and Sajid Islam.

Anwar Sajid “Ulo” and Anwar “Ipi” Jr., Anwar Sr.’s sons, still have pending motions that block their arraignment.

Aside from the motion to undergo medical treatment, Akmad Sr. earlier asked the court to allow him to attend the college graduation of his daughter at the Philippine International Convention Center on July 6.

Solis-Reyes has yet to resolve the motion regarding Akmad’s request to attend the college graduation of his daughter.