Journalists hold a candlelight indignation rally after a stunning massacre of journalists, civilians and relatives of politicians happened in Maguindanao of the southern Philippines, in Manila, Nov. 24, 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 57, police said on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Jonas Sulit) Photo Gallery>>>

Philippine massacre toll rises to 57 as governor, son eyed as suspects

Medical staff members cover the bodies of massacre victims in Ampatuan town of southern Philippines, Nov. 25, 2009. (Xinhua/Jes Aznar) Photo Gallery>>>

    AMPATUAN, Philippines, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- At least 57 people were killed in the stunning massacre of journalists, civilians and relatives of politicians in the volatile southern Philippines as more bodies were unearthed from a mass grave, military and police officials said.Full story

Philippine president declares national day of mourning for victims 

    MANILA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Wednesday declared a national day of mourning for the victims of Monday's massacre in the country's southern province of Maguindanao.

    Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said in a press briefing that Ms Arroyo declared the national day of mourning three days after the worst massacre in the country's history in which at least 49 people, including journalists, were brutally killed. Full story

China condemns hostage killing in southern Philippines

    BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday condemned the hostage killing in southern Philippines which left at least 37 people dead.

    "We are shocked by the incident. We denounce it and extend our sincere sympathy to the families of the victims," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a regular press briefing. Full story

Gunmen seize 40 people in southern Philippines

    DAVAO CITY, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Unidentified gunmen seized on Monday 40 people, including 20 journalists, in the province of Maguindanao, southern Philippines.

    A local radio station reported that armed men took journalists and a group of politicians who were suppose to file their certificate of candidacy at the office of the Commission on Elections in the town of Shariff Aguak. Full story