Quezon City court cancels Ampatuan grandson's arraignment

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InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5

Three motions filed by the Defense camp hindered the scheduled arraignment of Anwar Upam Ampatuan in Wednesday’s proceedings of the Maguindanao Massacre case.

Quezon City Regional Trial Court Br. 221 Jocelyn Solis Reyes moved to set aside Anwar Upam's arraignment, pending the court's decision on the following motions filed by his lawyers. These include motions to determine probable cause, to withdraw the case, and to lift the warrant of arrest and commitment order issued against him.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines noted that as of last count, the defense camp has filed at least 130 motions before the court, which has somehow contributed to stall the proceedings.

Also known as Datu Ulo, Anwar Upam, 21, was arrested at BF Homes in Las Pinas City last Aug. 28. He was grandson of principal accused Andal Anpatuan Sr.

Arraignment of another accused, PO1 Abusana Maguid, was reset to Thursday, September 6.

The Nov. 23, 2009 Maguindanao massacre—a crime largely blamed on the Ampatuans—left 58 dead in its wake. A total of 195 - ranging from Ampatuan clan members, police and militia - were charged in the landmark case.

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