Today has been the first anniversary of the Mindanau Massacres where 58 people were killed in a road block by a local clan who did not want opposition to their rule in the area. the Ampatuan family had ruled the area for years and Ampatuan Snr was grooming his son to take over from him as governor. An opposition candidate was sending in his nomination forms. he sent his wife and some supporters along with 38 journalists to deposit the candidacy papers for him as he thought there would be no trouble if women and reporters were involved. The convoy of vehicles was stopped by the private Ampatuan army and every one was gunned to death and shovelled quickly into a shallow pit. There have been protest marches and vigils by candle light all over the country to protest against the massacre and to demand the culprits are brought to justice. The new President has added his voice to those wanting the clan brought to trial. They were able to operate for years apparently freely with the support of the last President, Gloria Arroyo, who made use of the forces to keep order in the province against the rebels.
The opposer to the Ampatuans, Mangundadadu, lost his wife and two sisters in the killings but went on to win the elaction
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