Fri, December 04, 2009
MANILA, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine Armed Forces on Thursday sent hundreds of more troops to Sharif Aguak, capital of the southern Philippine province of Maguindanao, to contain the members of the Ampatuan political clan, who have been accused for the massacre of at least 57 people last week.
In a press briefing, the Philippine military public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said the deployment of the 33rd Infantry Battalion from Lanao del Sur is also part of their preparation for the possible service of warrants against other members of the family.
A total of four battalions are now stationed at Sharif Aguak, where the Ampatuans have two "main houses," including a mansion in front of the capitol, and both are under guard by the military.
"We added another infantry battalion in Sharif Aguak, the seat of the government of Maguindnaao. Their mission is to give security to the area and we also have to add forces there so that we will be prepared in case violence breaks out," he said.
"The purpose of the deployment of another battalion is to step up our security measures in this area, especially that we are expecting that perhaps warrants of arrest will be served by the Philippine National Police. The job of the military is to help secure the area," Brawner said.
The Philippine National Police has recommended the filing of charges against more members of the Ampatuan in connection with the Nov. 23 massacre.
At present, only Datu Unsay town mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr remains detained and charged with multiple murder.
