MANILA, Philippines - Former Presidential Adviser on Mindanao Affairs Jesus Dureza said he could not recall any arrangement that was made in behalf of the son of former Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan, Sr. for his surrender in connection with the Maguindanao massacre case.

In a statement, Dureza said “I cannot recall that there was such an arrangement. Considering however that the issue is in court, hence covered by the sub judice rule, it is in the interest of orderly administration of justice that this is not played out inordinately in media but treated accordingly in court…”

Lakmudin Saliao, a former trusted aide of the Ampatuan family, testified before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on Wednesday that the clan patriarch only agreed to surrender Andal Jr. to authorities after getting assurances from Dureza that his son will be put “under the care” of then president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

The landmark trial began yesterday, with the prosecution team presenting Saliao as its first witness.

Saliao directly linked Andal Jr. to the planning and execution of the killings last November 23, 2009.

The younger Andal allegedly ordered the killing of everybody in the convoy of rival Ismael Mangudadatu, who had challenged him for the post of governor. The convoy included members of the media.

In the end, 57 were killed in what is considered the country’s worst politically motivated massacre.

Saliao revealed Andal Sr. initially discussed his son’s surrender with former Maguindanao Rep. Didagen Dilangalen.

He said the meeting took place at the Ampatuan farm, a day after the killings.

He heard the patriarch tell Dilangalen that his son will be surrendered under the care of Arroyo because that “was what was agreed upon.”

Dureza said he will accordingly give the court his testimony “if asked to testify.” - with reports from RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News