In the accusation of partaking in political violence and murders, two of the three Ampatuan brothers of the Philippines have had their charges dropped. The Ampatuans are a powerful political family in Maguindanao province, where their father is governor. He is also facing charges. Zaldy and Akmand Ampatuan have had their cases dismissed unlike their brother and main suspect Andal Ampatuan Jr. who is still facing multiple murder charges. Prosecutors claimed the act could not have been done alone, but there was not enough evidence provided. Zaldy and Akmand both have alibis.
Supposedly on November, 23, Andal Ampatuan Jr. led police officers and members of the government militia to stop opposition supporters, lead them to a hill, and then proceed to shoot and kill them. 57 were killed and then buried using a government backhoe.
Prosecutors did not find enough evidence to suggest that Zaldy and Akmad were involved. One witness and some of his family have been killed. Ms. Pearson of the Human Rights Watch stated, "The government has failed to adequately protect witnesses and their families, which means crucial witnesses are scared to testify."
by Jenae Harner
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