MANILA, Philippines ? Security will be tight during the high-profile murder trial of Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. on January 5, as the local court where the trial will be conducted has limited the number of journalists who could cover the event and prohibited its live coverage, an official said Tuesday.

Only 30 journalists will be allowed inside the makeshift court room that can hold 200 people and a white screen will be put up outside for those who cannot get in, said Quezon City regional trial court executive judge Vivencio Baclig.

No cameras will be allowed inside the court room, Baclig said during an ocular at the Police Non-Commissioned Office Building inside Camp Crame on Tuesday, venue of the trial of Andal Jr. for the murders of at least 57 people in Maguindanao province last November 23.

At the same time, media interviews will only be allowed before and after the trial and a representative from the court will be providing regular updates, he added.

The hearing is expected to start at around 8:30 a.m. of January 5 and is expected to be attended by Andal Jr.