Maguindanao mayor wanted for murder

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines – Police are looking for the mayor of Shariff Aguak town in this province, who allegedly went into hiding after a court issued a warrant for her arrest in connection with a murder case.

Mayor Zahara Ampatuan, a daughter in-law of former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., has reportedly abandoned her post for weeks now.

Zahara was temporarily replaced by Vice Mayor Marop Ampatuan last Sept. 17, based on a provision of the Local Government Code and an authorization from the municipal council.

Chief Superintendent Noel delos Reyes, police director of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, yesterday told journalists that the manhunt for the mayor started last Friday.

Zahara is the wife of former Shariff Aguak mayor Anuar Ampatuan, one of the detained suspects in the Maguindanao massacre.

A court in Cotabato City earlier issued a warrant for Zahara’s arrest in connection with the murder of Alfredo Amelista, secretary of the municipal council, last April.

Two others, Kanurin Tayuan and Rambo Guiasalam, were also charged with murder along with the mayor.

Anwar Malang, secretary of ARMM’s local government, said Vice Mayor Ampatuan would handle the municipal government only on a ministerial capacity.

As a steward of Shariff Aguak LGU, the vice mayor cannot appoint, or terminate employees.

The vice mayor yesterday assured the public over radio dxMS that he would abide with the regulations as a caretaker of the municipal government.