Massacre suspect nabbed in hospital

MANILA, Philippines - Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) yesterday arrested the 96th suspect in the massacre of 57 people, mostly media workers, in Maguin­danao on Nov. 29, 2009.

CIDG chief Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said Sahid Guiamadel, alias Jun Aliman, was nabbed at the Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Kidapawan City where he got a job as a security guard.

Chief Superintendent Benito Estipona, chief of the CIDG’s Special Investigation Task Group Maguindanao, said Guiamadel was among the 100 civilian bo-dyguards of former mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. of Datu Unsay, Maguindanao who is facing trial along with other members of his clan for the massacre.

Estipona said Guiamadel’s own cousin, who apparently got interested in the reward money, tipped off authorities on his whereabouts.

A P250,000 reward was offered for Guiamadel’s arrest. 

Estipona said 100 suspects are still at large, and that he has directed tracker teams to concentrate their efforts on members of the Ampatuan clan.