DAVAO CITY – Former Maguindanao Governor Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr. was found to have a mild liver disorder two days after his confinement at the Camp Panacan Station Hospital in this city, a medical officer said.

In an interview, Capt. Rhoda Franco, medical officer of the military hospital, revealed that the disorder was detected during examination conducted at the Davao Doctors Hospital where Ampatuan was first admitted Saturday morning.

"After his examination at the Davao Doctors Hospital, he was found to have liver cirrhosis, which is secondary to his diabetes," she said.

Franco said the disorder was not serious in nature as of the moment, although his diabetes has to be controlled.

"If his diabetes would not be controlled, it would not be good for him. But as of now there are no indications that the liver disorder is worsening," she said.

The medical bulletin also indicated that Ampatuan is still under observation for hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tension, and headache with migraine component.

Franco disclosed that Ampatuan's blood pressure remained on the usual high side although anti-hypertension medications are continuously being administered for maintenance.

There are talks that the governor will be airlifted to Manila but was postponed due to his medical condition. "We have not given him a clearance yet for travel. We still have to control his BP," Franco said.

She also said Ampatuan's condition is getting better. His dextrose was removed because his hand was swelling but it would be returned after the swelling subsides.

"He is now able to walk inside his hospital room; we are encouraging him to go out of his room but is apprehensive because of the presence of the media," Franco said.

Since his transfer to Camp Panacan, not a single member of the media has had a glimpse of the Ampatuan patriarch.

Several requests to take a photo or video of him in his room were routinely denied by the family members.

Ampatuan was arrested in connection with the grisly massacre in Maguindanao last November 23 where 57 people were killed, including at least 30 journalists.

Col. Julieto Ando, Civil Military Officer of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said they would have allowed the media to take footage or photo of the former governor but the family was against it.

The former governor stays in his room with two family members at a time. Two lawyers are also allowed to go inside while the rest of his supporters stay outside where tents were set up for them.