Ampatuans’ asset forfeiture to continue – Ombudsman

MANILA, Philippines - The forfeiture of the assets of the late Ampatuan clan patriarch, Andal Sr., principal accused in the Maguindanao massacre case, will continue, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said yesterday.

“Ampatuan has died but this doesn’t mean that the (forfeiture) case is gone. The preliminary investigation continues,” she told the House committee on appropriations chaired by Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab.

She said she hopes to resolve the case before yearend.

She said she has been reminding her investigators “every now and then” to speed up the probe.

Ampatuan Sr. died in July from liver cancer. He and three of his sons are tagged as masterminds of the November 2009 massacre in Maguindanao of 58 persons, including 32 media practitioners.

The victims’ families have complained that the assets of the Ampatuans were gradually being disposed of.