State of emergency declared in Philippines after clan war erupts

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has declared emergency rule in the two southern provinces, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato city.

"There is an urgent need to prevent and suppress the occurrence of several other incidents of lawless violence," stated Cerge Remonde, the president's press secretary.

Death toll rises
On Monday, only 20 bodies had been found, and the military officials had stated that they were expecting more bodies.

20 bodies--mostly women, some beheaded, others with bullet wounds, and hands tied at their back--have been found, and the army is searching for more.

Now the officials have confirmed that death toll has risen to 39.

The 39 people, who have been reported dead, were among 40 people who had been attacked by gunmen while they were on their way to file nomination papers in support of Buluan City Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu, who planned to contest for governorship in elections next year.

The dead include Mangudadatu’s wife, sisters, staff, and many journalists.

Suspect behind the massacre
More than 500 troops of soldiers have been dispatched to Maguindanao province on the island of Mindanao to arrest the supporters of Andal Ampatuan, an incumbent governor, who is suspected to be behind these killings.

On Monday, Mangudadatu told local television network ABS-CBN that he had been warned about the repercussions of standing against Ampatuan in the upcoming elections.

Romeo Brawner, the military spokesman, was quoted by AFP news agency as saying that they believe “Ampatuans are suspects”. Ampatuan, according to sources, has an army of at least 500 armed civilians.

Ampatuan, who is actively involved in local politics in Maguindanao, has been elected the governor three times. He reached the apex of his power in 2004, due to the important role he played in Arroyo’s victory.

The man has many a times shown his loyalty to Arroyo administration, and, therefore, is a close ally of the president.

Elections marred by bloodbath
Philippines, which will go for elections next year, has also been wrecked by political violence.

In fact, election-related killing have only increased over the years. Earlier in 2007, during the midterm elections, about 60 candidates were killed. Also, 41 people were killed in 2004 elections, 21 in 2001, 14 in 1998, and nine in 1995, according to a May 2007 report by INQUIRER.net.

The current political violence is just the beginning of bloodshed, which is likely to increase as the elections draw nearer.