Dureza denies arrangement with Maguindanao massacre suspect
Posted by unang apluma on Thursday, September 9, 2010
FORMER Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) head Jesus Dureza vehemently denied that he made arrangements for the main suspect of the Maguindanao massacre to be put under custody of then-President Gloria Arroyo.
"As the official handling the crisis situation during that incident, I categorically deny that I made arrangements for Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. to be turned over to the custody of then President Arroyo,” Dureza said, referring to the main suspect in the murder of 57 people, including 30 journalists, last November 23, 2009.
Having handled several previous crisis situations, Dureza said he was fully aware of the sensitivity of the issue and custody by the president was never an option.
“I recall I discussed the need to handover Datu Unsay for investigation with Bapa Andal Ampatuan Sr in his house in Maguindanao in the presence of Cong Digs Dilangalen, Atty Cynthia Guiani, Usec Zamzamin Ampatuan, among others,” Dureza explained.
“I spirited Datu Unsay out of Shariff Aguak by Huey helicopter accompanied by his lawyer Atty Guiani to Gen Santos City airport and personally handed him over to then Justice Sec Agnes Devenadera for inquest proceedings and custody,” he added.
On the same day, Dureza said Ampatuan Jr. was flown by an Air Force plane to Manila direct to the National Bureau of Investigation detention facilities.
“Considering however that the issue is in court now hence covered by the sub judice rule and in the interest of orderly administration of justice, it is most appropriate that this matter be taken up in detail in court,” said Dureza.
Dureza said he is willing to give his full testimony if asked to testify.
"As the official handling the crisis situation during that incident, I categorically deny that I made arrangements for Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. to be turned over to the custody of then President Arroyo,” Dureza said, referring to the main suspect in the murder of 57 people, including 30 journalists, last November 23, 2009.
Having handled several previous crisis situations, Dureza said he was fully aware of the sensitivity of the issue and custody by the president was never an option.
“I recall I discussed the need to handover Datu Unsay for investigation with Bapa Andal Ampatuan Sr in his house in Maguindanao in the presence of Cong Digs Dilangalen, Atty Cynthia Guiani, Usec Zamzamin Ampatuan, among others,” Dureza explained.
“I spirited Datu Unsay out of Shariff Aguak by Huey helicopter accompanied by his lawyer Atty Guiani to Gen Santos City airport and personally handed him over to then Justice Sec Agnes Devenadera for inquest proceedings and custody,” he added.
On the same day, Dureza said Ampatuan Jr. was flown by an Air Force plane to Manila direct to the National Bureau of Investigation detention facilities.
“Considering however that the issue is in court now hence covered by the sub judice rule and in the interest of orderly administration of justice, it is most appropriate that this matter be taken up in detail in court,” said Dureza.
Dureza said he is willing to give his full testimony if asked to testify.