5 mayors asked to explain absence during Kato attacks

MANILA, Philippines - Five Maguindanao mayors were ordered to explain for allegedly abandoning their post when members of the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) led by Ameril Umbra Kato threatened to attack their respective towns last Sunday morning.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo yesterday issued show cause orders against Mayors Zandra Sinsuat Ampatuan of Saydona; Reshal Santiago Ampatuan of Datu Unsay; Bongbong Midtimbang Ampatuan of Datu Hoffer; Datu Saudi Sheam Ampatuan of Saudi Ampatuan; and Kanor Ampatuan, acting mayor of Salibo.

At least eight people – four soldiers and four civilians – have been killed in skirmishes between the BIFM and Army soldiers in the towns of Guindulungan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Datu Hoffer, all in Maguindanao, in the past five days.

Robredo said he gave the “absentee” mayors five days within which to answer why they should not be charged for abandonment of their post, as they were reportedly not around when Kato’s men threatened to attack their towns.

“We have received reliable information that these local chief executives were not in their respective towns when Kato’s men perpetrated the attacks. Most of them are said to be holding office in their residences in Cotabato City,” Robredo said.

In Tacurong City, meanwhile, residents have fled their homes to avoid being caught in the crossfire amid reports that Kato’s group was planning to launch attacks there and in other places in North Cotabato.

Superintendent Gilbert Tuzon, Tacurong police chief, cited text messages on these threats, including one warning that Kato’s group would behead Christians. – With Jaime Laude, John Unson