Palace on VIP treatment: ‘Wait for probe result’ (4:04 p.m.)

MANILA -- A Malacanang official has reminded about jumping into conclusions regarding the alleged special treatment provided for detained four members of the Ampatuan clan in General Santos City.

Deputy Presidential spokesman Gary Olivar in a briefing on Tuesday said that accounts about VIP treatment granted to Maguindanao massacre suspects remain unverified and still subject to investigation.

Olivar said some of the points to be considered in the investigation include “rules and regulation governing the detention cell” and if the alleged behavior of the Ampatuans have defied any rule at Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) jail in Camp Fermin Lira in General Santos City where the Ampatuans have been held.

Reports have said that the high-profile suspects have been allowed to use cell phones, feast catered food while in detention and even leave detention cells.

The four accused are suspended Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (Armm) governor Zaldy Ampatuan, former Maguindanao acting governor Sajid Ampatuan, Maguindanao Vice Governor Akmad Ampatuan, and Shariff Aguak mayor Anwar Ampatuan. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)