MANILA, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- The top suspect in Monday's slaughter in Maguindanao has been formally charged with multiple murder before the Philippine Department of Justice, local media reported Thursday.
Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera, together with Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zuno, performed the inquest at the General Santos City airport Thursday, according to Inquirer.net, the website of the Philippine Dauly Inquirer, the country's biggest broadsheet.
Andal Ampatuan Jr., mayor of Datu Unsay town in Maguindanao Thursday surrendered himself to the authorities after he and his family clan are tagged as prime suspects in Monday's massacre of at least 57 unarmed civilians.
Ampatuan is the son of Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. and scion of a powerful family in central Mindanao.
Top suspect in Philippine massacre surrenders to authorities
MANILA, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- A son of the governor of a southern Philippine province on Thursday surrendered himself to the authorities after he and his family clan are tagged as prime suspects in Monday's massacre of at least 57 unarmed civilians.
Andal Ampatuan Jr., son of Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. and mayor of Unsay town, is now in custody after military took over the provincial capitol and two municipality halls in the province, government officials said. Full story
Philippine massacre toll rises to 57 as governor, son eyed as suspects
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.
Ltcol Romeo Brawner, the chief military spokesman, said 11 bodies were discovered as rescuers continued to dig the hillside grave in Saniag village, Amputuan town of Maguindanao province on Wednesday. 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
