Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., the prime suspect in the Maguindanao massacre last Nov. 23 who pleaded not guilty at the hearing last Jan. 5, will face the court again on Jan. 13, when the remaining 15 counts of murder will be read. Only 41 counts were read to Ampatuan Jr. during his arraignment last Jan. 5.

“Only 41 counts were read to him last Jan. 5 because the other 15 counts are still in Cotabato Regional Trial Court. There is already a request to transmit the remaining information to the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. As soon as the court receives the 15 counts, it shall be read to the mayor on his next arraignment,” said Richard Fadullon, assistant chief state prosecutor.

On Dec. 9 last year, the first 15 counts of murder were filed before the Cotabato Regional Trial Court. The next 16 counts were then filed on Dec. 14. At that point, there was a request to transfer the case to the Manila Regional Trial Court or in Quezon City Regional Trial Court. The third set was then filed before the Quezon City RTC.

The first 15 counts that were filed and are still in Cotabato will complete the 56 counts of murder charges lodged against Andal Ampatuan Jr. It has been reported that there were 57 victims but only 56 have been charged against the mayor because until now, the 57th victim has yet to be identified.