Andal Ampatuan Sr, the alleged mastermind of Maguindanao massacre, passed away Friday at around 10:02 p.m. at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) in Quezon City.
PHOTO CR: Rappler/Noel Celis
“It is with deep sadness that I announce to the public that former Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. has passed away a few minutes ago,” family lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said in a statement.
“Details of his death are still sketchy. What is confirmed is that his mortal remains will be treated in accordance with Islamic customs,” he added.
“The family requests the media and the public in general for privacy and respect in this time of bereavement.”
The 74-year-old Ampatuan was brought to the hospital on June 5 due to complications in his liver. He had been battling with liver cancer and was informed by doctors he had 3 to 6 months to live.
Ampatuan Sr, along with his son, Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan Jr, are the principal accused in the massacre of 58 individuals (including 32 journalists) in Sityo Masalay, Ampatuan, Maguindanao in November 2009.
He was arraigned inside a Manila prison on June 1, 2011. He pleaded not guilty.
Source: Rappler, ABS-CBN News