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MANILA - Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. arrived in Manila Thursday night and will be detained at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) pending the resolution of multiple murder complaint he faces in connection with the massacre of at least 57 people in Maguindanao last Monday.

Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera and Presidential Adviser on Mindanao Affairs Jesus Dureza brought Ampatuan Jr. from General Santos City on board a private plane, and they arrived at the Villamor Air Base past 7 p.m..

Devanadera said inquest proceedings were held in General Santos City where Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu and Ampatuan Jr., represented by lawyers, participated.

"Natapos po ang inquest na ginawa namin doon sa GenSan. Dumating ang mga Mangudadatus at saka kanilang witnesses. Pareho silang may abogado. And the parties agreed that Mayor Unsay [Ampatuan Jr.] will be detained at the National Bureau of Investigation," said Devanadera in short press briefing held at the tarmac of the military air base.

State prosecutors would be evaluating whether formal charges will be filed against the suspect. Devanadera said they can hold Ampatuan Jr. for 36 hours.

Ampatuan Jr. was seen without handcuffs, but held on both sides by two men, apparently NBI agents.

"He is properly restrained," said Devanadera.

Meanwhile, upon arrival at the NBI main office, Ampatuan Jr. was no longer presented to media. He was immediately taken to the NBI jail.

Ampatuan Jr. was first brought by helicopter to General Santos City from Maguindanao’s capital town Shariff Aguak after he was turned over by his brother, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Zaldy Uy Ampatuan, to Dureza.

A witness has told Al Jazeera Manila bureau that Ampatuan Jr. ordered the killing of relatives of Vice Mayor Mangudadatu who were going to file a certificate of candidacy for governor of Maguindanao on his behalf. At least 27 journalists and 2 lawyers who joined the group were also summarily executed.

Ampatuan Jr., who was going to be his rival for governor, claims he is innocent.