The Iligan City Regional Trial Court Branch 1 has issued arrest warrants for Datu Unsay, Maguindanao del Sur Mayor Datu Andal “Xyril” Ampatuan V and 11 other individuals over their alleged involvement in the January ambush of Shariff Aguak Mayor Datu Akmad “Mitra” Ampatuan Sr.
The suspects are facing four counts of frustrated murder and multiple violations of Republic Act No. 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. The charges include alleged terrorism, planning and facilitating terrorism, and conspiracy to commit terrorism.
The case stems from the January 25 attack in Shariff Aguak, when armed assailants fired a rocket-propelled grenade and high-powered weapons at Mayor Akmad Ampatuan’s convoy. The mayor survived, while two of his security personnel were wounded. Three alleged attackers were later killed during a police pursuit operation.
The other individuals named in the warrants are Ababang Salik, Edad Pendatun, Aboher K. Guimbangan, Toraipie A. Lusod, Gapor Magaluyan, Mohammad Shamron Uday Sapalon, Samsudin K. Mokamad, Saudi M. Guiapal, Johari M. Guiapal, Soy Kali and Datuben Gayon.
The arrest warrants followed a Department of Justice prosecution panel resolution dated August 28 that found probable cause to indict the accused in connection with the attack. The case was filed after complaints from Mayor Akmad Ampatuan and three of his companions.
The court did not recommend bail for temporary liberty, according to reports on the warrant. The accused are entitled to contest the charges through the judicial process.
The case also carries a significant family connection. Mayor Akmad Ampatuan is a cousin of former Datu Unsay Mayor Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan Jr., who was convicted in connection with the 2009 Maguindanao massacre. Datu Andal “Xyril” Ampatuan V is his son.
The arrest order now places the mayor and the other accused under judicial proceedings over the alleged attack, with the court set to determine the next steps in the case.
