MANILA—Prime suspect of the November 23 Maguindanao massacre, Datu Unsay Andal Ampatuan Jr. during Wednesday’s hearing pleaded not guilty for another 15 murder cases filed against him.
Andal Jr.’s petition for bail resumes at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame with the Datu Unsay mayor, aided by his counsel Lawyer Sigfried Fortun, pleaded before presiding Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes.
Relatives of the slain journalists and media practitioners during the massacre filed the cases bringing it to 56 murder charges against Andal Jr.
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu, whose wife and relatives were killed in the massacre in Ampatuan, Maguindanao, is set for cross examination on Wednesday’s hearing.
The prosecution is expected to put a doctor on the stand to testify against the bail petition of Andal Jr. after Mangudadatu’s turn.
Other members of the Ampatuans, Maguindanao Mayor Andal Ampatuan Sr., suspended regional governors Zaldy Ampatuan and Sajid Ampatuan, and several others are now waiting for their rebellion cases hearing. (Sunnex)