Respondents file counter-affidavit over Shariff Aguak attack —Ampatuan camp

The camp of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur Mayor Akmad “Mitra” Ampatuan Sr. on Tuesday said some of the respondents in their terrorism complaint in connection with an attack in January have filed counter-affidavits with the Department of Justice (DOJ).

According to lawyer Cyrus Torreña, three of the 15 respondents have passed away, two were not represented by their counsel, and one was unable to attend the preliminary probe and was given an extension.

“Ang ginawa nila ay nag submit ng kanilang counter-affidavit [they submitted their counter-affidavit],” he said in an ambush interview.

To recall, Ampatuan was on his way home in January when suspects in a minivan fired a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) at his convoy. While the mayor was unharmed, two persons were wounded.

He then filed a complaint for violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

Torreña said they also submitted the RPG used in the ambush, and that it will be deposited at Camp Crame.

“Kasi nag order ‘yung ating panel of prosecutor na dapat ma-produce ‘yung RPG for them to inspect,” he said.

(Because the panel of prosecutors that the RPG should be produced for them to inspect.)

Torreña said the next preliminary hearing will be on June 1.

For his part, Ampatuan has expressed hope for a speedy and favorable ruling on his complaint. — BM, GMA News