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Philippine Massacre Death Toll Hits 57
Government declares emergency rule in Maguindanao province
By Kevin Spak
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Posted Nov 25, 09 12:05 PM CST
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(Newser)
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Another 11 bodies have been found in the mass grave where dozens were killed in election related slaughter in the Philippines. The death toll now stands at 57, including 24 women, Reuters reports. The government has imposed emergency rule on the southern province, sending in 500 soldiers, and disbanding a 200-member paramilitary force controlled by local officials.
Investigators say they’re looking into the possibility that some members of that force may have been involved in the killings. Truckloads of troops poured into the area today, with armored cars lining the highways. Among the dead, 22 are believed to be journalists, making it the deadliest attack on the media the world has ever seen. They were accompanying women from a powerful family as they traveled to file papers for a family member's candidacy. The men from the family opted not to travel, believing rivals wouldn’t attack women.
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