Death toll in southern Philippines massacre reaches over 50

Policemen carry the body of a massacre victim in Ampatuan town of southern Philippines, Nov. 25, 2009. The death toll in the stunning massacre of journalists, civilians and relatives of politicians three days ago in the volatile southern Philippines stood at more than 50, police said. (Xinhua/Jes Aznar)
The death toll in the stunning massacre of journalists, civilians and relatives of politicians three days ago in the volatile southern Philippines reached over 50, police said as more bodies have been recovered.

Regional police commander Chief Superintendent Josefino Cataluna said on Wednesday that six more bodies were recovered so far by his men in the village of Masalay, bringing the death toll to 52.

Among those recovered was Ernesto Maravilla, a reporter for a radio station based in the southern city of Koronadal and Henry Araneta, also a broadcast journalist.

At the same time, lawmen also recovered three vehicles.

Philippine police spokesman Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina said they are still gathering evidence against the influential Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan and his son suspected of being behind the massacre.

However, Espina said they would not invite those accused for questioning.


Medical staff members cover the bodies of massacre victims in Ampatuan town of southern Philippines, Nov. 25, 2009. (Xinhua/Jes Aznar)
Meanwhile, members of the Ampatuan clan pulled out some of their pre-school and elementary school pupils studying in the city of Davit.

British Ambassador to the Philippines Stephen Lillie condemned the killings in Maguindanao.

"I condemn this brutal massacre of innocent civilians, including women, journalists and lawyers. I hope that the authorities in the Philippines will take urgent action to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further escalation of violence in the run-up to next year's elections here." Lillie said.

"Effective action will be crucial in maintaining confidence in the Philippines' commitment to protect human rights," he added.

Bai Zorahayda Taha, regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the region, said the government will extend financial assistance to the families of the victims.

Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Jesus Dureza described the killing as a "gruesome massacre unequaled in recent history". He suggests "everyone be disarmed" in the emergency rule but most people doubt that the region's warlords would follow the order to lay down guns.

Political analysts now foresee a gloomy picture of election security as the massacre occurred just days after the process for the May 2010 elections kicked off. More than 100 people were killed in election-related violence in the mid-term national elections in 2007.

Source: Xinhua