Main Suspect In Philippines Massacre Charged
A
member of a powerful clan accused over a massacre of 57
people in the southern Philippines has been charged with
multiple murders.
Andal Ampatuan Jr, a mayor from Maguindanao province,
surrendered last week and has denied involvement.
Prosecutors however say witnesses saw him lead gunmen in the 23
November massacre.
Prosecutors say that Andal Ampatuan Jr has been charged with 25
counts of murder while about 20 other suspects, including
senior members of the Maguindanao provincial police force and
officers of Ampatuan township's force, are in custody and are
being investigated.
Political Motive
Those killed were trying to file nomination papers for a
candidate challenging Mr. Ampatuan in next year's gubernatorial
elections.
The group, which included relatives of the candidate, lawyers
and journalists, were taken to a remote hill region and shot at
close range. Their bodies were then dumped in shallow graves.
Elections in the Philippines are often hit by violence but this
incident has horrified the nation.
President Gloria Arroyo had promised that the killers will be
brought to justice.
Succession bid
Analysts said the Ampatuan family have effectively been in
charge of Maguindanao for decades.
Andal Ampatuan Sr has served in the Philippines Congress and won
the governorship of Maguindanao unopposed for several terms.
His son was reportedly planning a similarly unopposed run to
replace his father when Ismael Mangudadatu decided to contest
the office.
Mr. Mangudadatu's wife, his two sisters and several key
supporters were among the dead.
BBC/Yinka
