Andal Ampatuan Sr. laid to rest in Maguindanao

Andal Ampatuan Sr (Screenshot from GMA News footage)

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao – The primary suspect in the infamous Maguindanao massacre was laid to his final resting place inside his residential compound here with relatives, friends and supporters in attendance.

The burial ceremonies at about 2 p.m. was kept from the eyes of media.

The alleged mastermind of the massacre that left 58 people dead, including 32 journalists, died at the National Kidney Transplant Institute at about 10 p.m. Friday.

He was 72 years old.

His remains was brought to the Camp Bagong Diwa detention cell for his sons to view until about 4 a.m.

One of the grieving relatives told local and national media that the family requested for privacy in burying the Ampatuan patriarch.

At about 11:30 a.m., the casket of the man who ruled Maguindanao for a decade arrived in Maguindanao through regular PAL Manila-Cotabato flight at the Awang Airport in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Relatives on board flashy cars packed the parking space of the Awang airport ready to accompany the former Maguindanao strongman to his resting place in Shariff Aguak.

At about 12:30, a convoy of about 15 luxury cars arrived in Ampatuan’s residential compound. An ambulance served as lead car with its siren sounding off and hazard lights on.

It was reminiscent of Andal Sr traveling in Maguindanao highways during his glory days as Maguindanao chief executive.

As the black SUV that carried the remains of Andal Sr entered his home along the national highway in Poblacion Shariff Aguak, relatives, supporters and friends followed suit but members of the press were asked not to enter.

Some close relatives were seen around and near the Ampatuan’s residence but opted not to enter his home to avoid commotion because they are now affiliated with the Ampatuan’s arch-political rival – the Mangudadatus.

Former Maguindanao Board Member Yasser Ampatuan who wished he could pay his last respect to the “old man” decided to stay at the background.

The burial ceremonies ended at about 2:45 p.m.