One of the accused in Maguindanao massacre seeks mayorship of Shariff Aguak

SHARIFF
AGUAK, Maguindanao – One of the accused in the Maguindanao massacre
has filed his certificates of candidacy for mayor of this town, challenging
other aspirants who are his relatives.

Out on
bail, Sajid Islam Ampatuan, filed his COC for mayor of Shariff Aguak under the
United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).
Incumbent Shariff Aguak Vice Mayor Bai Anhara Ampatuan who is seeking her
second term as deputy mayor, is Sajid’s running mate.

Sajid, out
on bail after paying P11 million bail bond in connection with the Maguindanao
massacre case, will be challenging his cousin, incumbent Mayor Datu Marouph
Ampatuan and his aunt, former Mayor Zahara Ampatuan.

After
completing his first step to return to political power in Shariff Aguak where
his late father, Andal Ampatuan Sr once ruled, Sajid accompanied his wife,
incumbent Mayor Zandria Sinsuat-Ampatuan of Shariff Saydona town in filing her
COC. The Shariff Saydona mayor is
seeking for her third term.

Sajid said
his running for mayor aims to reunite the Ampatuan clan. He said that his
father, Andal Sr, told him to lead the reunification of Ampatuan clan and
restore political leadership in Shariff Aguak.

Now that I’m
out on bail, I acceded to calls from family members, relatives and friends. I
want to revive the Ampatuan clan. My
father, when he was still alive, tasked me to bring to life the Ampatuan clan
and restore Maguindanao where he labored to what it is now,” Sajid said. I
spent my childhood here and it was in this town that our family became known
politically.”

When told
that he will be pitted against his uncles and aunts, Sajid saidand Politics is
like that, families seeking political positions against relatives. But at the
end of the day, whoever is chosen by the people, he or she should be
honored. After election, everything is
over.”

Sajid also
said that the issue of the infamous Maguindanao Massacre that claimed 58 lives,
32 of whom were journalists and blamed against his family, will be used as
political issue against him.

But I am
ready to face the issue head on,” Sajid said.

Sajid served as
acting governor of Maguindanao in 2008.