The prime suspect in a massacre that left 57 dead pleaded his innocence as he was taken into custody. The president’s ex-ally, Ampatuan Jnr, told reporters there was "no truth" in reports accusing him of masterminding the election-linked carnage.
Philippine soldiers arrested 20 men in connection with the massacre of 57 people Monday. Troops have also begun disarming the powerful Ampatuan family's 200-strong militia.
A political ally of Philippine president Gloria Arroyo has been named as the prime suspect in an election-related massacre of 57 people, increasing public pressure on the government to swiftly arrest the perpetrators.
A political ally of Philippine president Gloria Arroyo has been named as the prime suspect in an election-related massacre of 52 people. Local police have pointed the finger at Andal Ampatuan Jnr, a member of the ruling Lakas Kampi CMD coalition.
President Gloria Arroyo (pictured) declared a state of emergency in two southern provinces and in a nearby city on Tuesday, a day after scores were killed in election-related violence.
Twenty-one local politicians and journalists abducted by gunmen linked to a powerful politician in southern Philippines have been found dead, according to the region's military chief Major General Alfredo Cayton.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Manila on Thursday to strengthen cooperation in the fight against Abu Sayyaf militants. US Special Forces have been stationed in the country to train Filipino troops for the past eight years.
Typhoon Mirinae has killed at least one person as it smashed through the Philippines overnight, worsening floods in areas that were struggling to recover from recent deadly storms.
The death toll in the Philippines has passed 540 after two weeks of storms and floods. At least 181 were killed in rain-triggered landslides on Thursday night.
