MANILA – Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., believed to be involved in Monday’s massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao province, submitted himself to authorities on Thursday.

A field report by ANC’s Patricia Evangelista said Ampatuan Jr. turned himself in to Presidential Adviser on Mindanao Affairs Jesus Dureza.

As of posting time, Ampatuan Jr. was being brought to a waiting helicopter bound for General Santos City, where he will be turned over to Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera.

In a text message, Dureza said “Datu Unsay now in custody, on board Air Force chopper enroute to Gen San airport for turnover to DOJ Sec Devanadera.

Ampatuan Jr. is expected to be brought to Manila where he will be subjected for questioning for his alleged involvement in the election-related massacre in Ampatuan town on Monday.

The hand over took place after police and military personnel secured the provincial capitol of Maguindanao and the municipal compounds of Shariff Aguak and Ampatuan towns.