November 24, 2009 Philippines order State of Emergency in Mindanao

Forty-six murdered and state of Emeregency declared in Mindanao. The Philippines are having elections in May. Early reports seem to say that members of the Mangudadatus family were murdered by the Ampatuan family, both familys are powerful clans. The Mangadadatus's were in a convoy to register for the elections, the men of the family were not in the convoy, reasoning that the women would not be harmed. However, many women were murdered, one was pregnant, and several journalists were murdered as well. It has been reported that some had their hands were tied behind there back and were shot in the head.

Click on the date above this post for a link to the NY Times report.