MANILA, Philippines, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- A servant of a Philippine political clan has testified he was present when a plot was hatched to prevent a rival from becoming a provincial governor.
Lakmodin Saliao was the first witness for the prosecution at a multiple homicide trial in Manila for the massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao province in November 2009, the Philippines' GMANews.tv reported Wednesday.
The victims were part of a convoy traveling to file certificates of candidacy for Esmael "Toto" Mangudadtu to seek the provincial governorship.
Saliao said Andal Ampatuan Jr. broached the idea of killing all the people who would accompany his political rival Mangudadtu on the trip.
Because of threats on his life, Mangudadtu was not present but his wife, two sisters and aides were killed along with journalists, lawyers and innocent motorists, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.
Saliao testified that he was a household helper for the Ampatuans for 18 years and was at the clan meeting to help serve food.
