Massacre in Maguindanao, Philippines

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Around 50 people were murdered in a brutal massacre that occurred on November 23, 2009 in Maguindanao, Philippines.  Among them were lawyers and journalists who were part of a convoy heading towards the town of Shariff Aguak to file candidacy papers of a candidate for governorship position of in the upcoming May 2010 elections. The convoy was led by Genalyn Tiamzon-Mangudadatu, wife of Buluan Vice-Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu who plans to run for this gubernatorial seat.

The dead bodies found in the massacre site at Barangay Saniag, Ampatuan were believed to have been thrown there after being attacked using M-16 rifles and machetes.  The women were raped before they were killed.  Other members of the group were beheaded.  Police reports found the three vehicles owned by the Mangudadatus were burned.  Witnesses, who refuse to be identified, saw the convoy stopped by about a hundred armed men who were believed to be part of the army of the political rival of Esmael Mangudadatu. 

Philippine president, Gloria Arroyo, declared a state of emergency in the province of Maguindanao in order for the government troops to conduct a thorough investigation.

The Centre for Media Freedom and Responsibility reported that 21 journalists were killed in the massacre.  Paris-based Reporters Without Borders stated “Never in the history of journalism have the news media suffered such heavy loss of life in one day.”

The situations surrounding the Philippine elections were often violent; but this is considered the worst pre-election violence, in the country’s history.