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Arrests over Philippines killings Philippine massacre suspect held
(about 1 hour later)
Security forces in the Philippines have made a series of arrests following the murder of 57 people in an election-related massacre. A powerful Philippine clan leader suspected of involvement in the massacre of 57 people has been taken into custody, officials said.
Troops and police swooped on towns on the southern island of Mindanao, run by the powerful Ampatuan family. Andal Ampatuan Jr had surrendered to authorities, army Lt Gen Raymundo Ferrer said.
They are reported to have rounded-up and disarmed a 200-member paramilitary force there. Earlier, troops and police swooped on towns on the southern island of Mindanao run by the Ampatuan family.
The massacre took place on Monday as a convoy of vehicles used by a rival politician was ambushed.The massacre took place on Monday as a convoy of vehicles used by a rival politician was ambushed.
President Gloria Arroyo declared a national day of mourning and promised that the gunmen would not escape justice. The group, involved in activities for the 2010 elections, was taken to a remote hill region, shot at close range and their bodies dumped in shallow graves.
Restive province Taken by helicopter
Police on Thursday named militiamen under the control of politician Andal Ampatuan Jr - the mayor of a town in the restive province of Maguindanao - as suspects. Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said that Mr Ampatuan Jnr was taken by helicopter from his hometown in the restive Maguindanao province on Thursday morning to a nearby airport.
National police director general Jesus Verzosa told local media that Mr Ampatuan Jr was also a suspect. From there he was being flown to the capital Manila for questioning, Mr Puno said.
"We don't have an exact number (of those arrested), but our policemen in the area have arrested several," he said. Police were reported to have rounded-up and disarmed a 200-member paramilitary force in Maguindanao on Thursday. They also made several arrests.
Military spokesman Lt Col Romeo Brawner said he expected Mr Ampatuan Jr to be "turned over peacefully to the authorities". Officials named militiamen under the control of Mr Ampatuan Jr - the mayor of a town in Maguindanao - as suspects.
President Arroyo has already declared a state of emergency in Maguindanao and the neighbouring Sultan Kudarat province. All police officers from one town are under investigation for the killing, AFP news agency reported, citing government officials.
Although prominent members of the Ampatuan family are allies of President Arroyo, they have been expelled from her party since the killings. Although prominent members of the Ampatuan family are allies of President Gloria Arroyo, they have been expelled from her party since the killings.
Philippine politician Ismael Mangudadatu has claimed that gunmen loyal to the Ampatuans ambushed his supporters as they were travelling to register his name for forthcoming elections. President Arroyo, who earlier declared a national day of mourning, has promised that the gunmen would not escape justice.
The BBC's Danny Vincent, in Manila, says the Ampatuans have been involved in a long-standing feud with a rival family who want to oppose them in the national and local elections.
Philippine politician Ismael Mangudadatu has claimed it was gunmen loyal to the Ampatuans who ambushed his supporters as they were travelling to register his name for the polls.
Among the dead were Mr Mangudadatu's wife, his two sisters and several key supporters, as well as at least 13 journalists who were travelling with them to witness his registration as an election candidate.Among the dead were Mr Mangudadatu's wife, his two sisters and several key supporters, as well as at least 13 journalists who were travelling with them to witness his registration as an election candidate.
Analysts say the Ampatuans have effectively been in charge of Maguindanao for decades.Analysts say the Ampatuans have effectively been in charge of Maguindanao for decades.
Andal Ampatuan Snr has served in the Philippines Congress and won the governorship of Maguindanao unopposed for several terms.Andal Ampatuan Snr 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 but then Mr Mangudadatu decided to run as well.His son was reportedly planning a similarly unopposed run to replace his father but then Mr Mangudadatu decided to run as well.