Mindanao

A strange story indeed.

A state of emergency was declared in the southern island of Mindanao yesterday after gunmen killed and mutilated at least 46 people in the Philippines’ worst single incident of political violence.

President Arroyo announced the emergency as police and soldiers recovered dozens of bodies from shallow graves in Maguindanao province — where they had been crudely buried on Monday. The atrocity is said to be a personal embarrassment for Ms Arroyo, who is supported by the local politician widely suspected of being behind the killings.

The victims were relatives and supporters of an opposition politician, and were travelling to register his candidature in next year’s election for the governorship of Maguindanao.

Worst loss of life in one day "in the history of journalism"
Reporters Without Borders
Article posted November 24, 2009 - 07:56 AM
Published on 23 November 2009 on the Reporters Without Borders web site

At least 12 journalists were killed today in Maguindanao province (on the southern island of Mindanao) by armed men, including two policemen, linked to the province’s governor, a supporter of President Gloria Arroyo. More than 30 other people were murdered. Some of the victims were beheaded.

“Never in the history of journalism have the news media suffered such a heavy loss of life in one day," Reporters Without Borders said. “We convey our condolences and sympathy to all journalists in the Philippines, who are in state of shock after this appalling massacre."