Philippine clan member held over poll-related massacre

A prominent member of a powerful clan suspected of involvement in the killing of 57 people in the Philippines has been taken into custody.



A town mayor, Andal Ampatuan Jr, is said to have surrendered to the authorities but denies organising the killings.



The massacre happened on Monday, when a convoy of vehicles used by a rival politician was ambushed.



The passengers were taken to a remote hill region, shot at close range and their bodies dumped in shallow graves.



The Ampatuan clan has been loyal supporters of the president, but since the killings three members of the family have been expelled from her party.



Mr Ampatuan Jr has not been formally charged, but is officially under investigation.



President Gloria Arroyo, who earlier declared a national day of mourning, has promised that the gunmen will not escape justice.