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Politician Busted for Philippine Massacre

Powerful family blamed for murder of 57

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 26, 2009 3:59 AM CST
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(Newser) – A politician suspected of organizing the slaughter of 57 rival supporters and journalists this week has surrendered to authorities in the southern Philippines. Andal Ampatuan Jr., who was planning to run for a provincial governorship, was at the scene when gunmen stopped a convoy heading to register a rival candidate, forced people out of their vehicles, and killed them on a hillside, according to witnesses.

Security forces have disarmed a 300-strong paramilitary group controlled by the Ampatuan family and arrested 20 people, Reuters reports. Ampatuan, who denies taking part in the killings, has been flown to Manila for questioning. Members of the powerful Ampatuan clan have been prominent supporters of President Gloria Arroyo, but she expelled them from her party after the massacre.

Members of the media try to identify their colleagues who were dumped together with three vehicles at a hillside grave in Ampatuan, Maguindanao province, southern Philippines.
Members of the media try to identify their colleagues who were dumped together with three vehicles at a hillside grave in Ampatuan, Maguindanao province, southern Philippines.   (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Andal Ampatuan Jr. covers his face after surrendering to government troops in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao province, southern Philippines today.
Andal Ampatuan Jr. covers his face after surrendering to government troops in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao province, southern Philippines today.   (AP Photo/Froilan Gallardo)
Philippine national police officers look at the mangled remains of three vehicles that were unearthed yesterday at the massacre site at Ampatuan township, Maguindanao province.
Philippine national police officers look at the mangled remains of three vehicles that were unearthed yesterday at the massacre site at Ampatuan township, Maguindanao province.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
kokuaguy
Nov 26, 2009 11:32 AM CST
Wikipedia says that under Arroyo's government, the Philippines has become second only to Iraq as the world's riskiest place to report the news, with 23 journalists killed since 2003. These most recent killings may not be included in that number.
Rocket448
Nov 26, 2009 4:23 AM CST
Can you even imagine a politician with his own security force here in the US? My brain is boggled by the implications of this story.
muleskinner
Nov 26, 2009 2:36 AM CST
correction---third, mexico is first---

 
Philippines • Gloria Macapagal Arroyo • election violence • Philippines election massacre

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