Philippines massacre: journalists' death toll rises to 21

It is now reported that 21 journalists were killed in the massacre that took place on Monday in the Philippines' southern province of Maguindanao.

The Manila-based Centre for Media Freedom and Responsibility told the International Press Institute that a total of 34 journalists are believed to have been part of a convoy that was ambushed by over 100 gunmen at a police checkpoint .

The convoy was travelling to file candidacy papers for gubernatorial candidate and local mayor Esmael Mangudadatu. He was not on board the convoy.

Police have found the bodies of 57 people buried in shallow graves close to the checkpoint.

Among the confirmed dead are the following journalists: Ian Subang (Dadiangas Times), Leah Dalmacio (Forum), Gina dela Cruz (Today), Marites Cablitas (Today), Joy Duhay (UNTV), Henry Araneta (DZRH), Andy Teodoro (Mindanao Inquirer), Neneng Montaño (formerly of RGMA), Bong Reblando (Manila Bulletin), Victor Nuñez (UNTV), Macmac Ariola (UNTV), Jimmy Cabillo (UNTV), Bart Maravilla (Bombo Radyo, Koronadal), Rey Merisco (MindaNews), Bienvenido Lagarte (Sierra News).

The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that police have named Andal Ampatuan Jr, a member of President Gloria Arroyo's ruling coalition, as the leading suspect in the massacre.

Though Arroyo has promised to bring the perpetrators to justice, no arrests have been made.

Ampatuan is the mayor of Datu Unsay in Maguindanao province and a political opponent of Mangudadatu. His father, Andal Ampatuan Sr, is the provincial governor and commands his own private army.

According to an article on the Inquirer's website, "Ampatuan Sr. had been grooming his son to take over as governor of Maguindanao, and the victims' relatives have alleged the Ampatuans organised the murders so that Mangudadatu would not run for governor."

IPI director David Dadge said: "We urge President Arroyo and other Philippines' high ranking officials to ensure the swift arrest of those responsible for this massacre. The democratic process in the Philippines cannot be allowed to be undermined by individuals who act without conscience or respect for life."

In addition to the journalists killed in the Maguindanao massacre, IPI has counted 58 journalists killed in the Philippines in the past 10 years in connection with their profession.