Andal Ampatuan Sr. now comatose — Lawyer

The Maguindanao Massacre crime scene (Photo by Dann Pantoja)

MANILA — Andal Ampatuan Sr. the alleged mastermind behind the Maguindanao massacre has fallen into a coma, according to his lawyer Sal Panelo.

Panelo said in an interview with ANC that the former governor is still alive but is comatose.

“What triggered the comatose condition is that he had a massive heart attack yesterday morning. And I understand that it was a complication of his liver cancer,” said Panelo.

“According to the doctor, he’s still in comatose condition. There has been no improvement,” Panelo added.

Ampatuan Sr. was brought to the hospital in June 5 because of liver complications.

He was earlier diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and was brought  to the National Kidney Transplant Institute in Quezon City.

He was also earlier diagnosed with terminal liver cancer, among other illnesses and was reported to have been given only six months left to live.

“Life expectancy for such case is usually three to six months but may be shorter if the liver function will continuously and progressively deteriorate,” Jamias said referring to Ampatuan Sr.’s condition.

Ampatuan Sr. was detained along with his sons and grandsons after being accused of being the brains behind the Maguindanao massacre.

“The three pending motions filed by the lawyers of the two sons and one grandson are scheduled to be heard tomorrow at Branch 221, Quezon City Regional Trial Court ,” Panelo explained.