Key suspect in Philippines massacre arrested
![Filipino Police officers cover their noses while guarding the recovery of victims from a shallow grave on November 25, 2009. [Reuters]](http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200911/r476463_2404212.jpg "Filipino Police officers cover their noses while guarding the recovery of victims from a shallow grave on November 25, 2009. [Reuters]")
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Filipino Police officers cover their noses while guarding the recovery of victims from a shallow grave on November 25, 2009. [Reuters]
Karen Percy, South East Asia correspondent
Last Updated:
A Filipino politician has been charged with multiple murders related to Monday's election-related massacre on the island of Mindanao.
Andal Amputuan Junior gave himself up to police in Maguindanao province and was then was handed over to the justice minister in the southern city of General Santos.
He's reportedly told officials that he did not organise the attacks.
On Monday more than 50 armed men ambushed a convoy which was headed to the local elections office to register a member of the rival Mangadadatu family for next year's governor's elections.
So far, 57 bodies have been recovered from the massacre site.
At least 20 other people, believed to be supporters of the Amputuan clan, have also been arrested.
Those arrested are understood to be civilian volunteers allied to the Amputuan family.
The deaths were the result of a long-standing political feud between the Mangadadatu family and the Amputuan clan, which has close ties to the administration of President Gloria Arroyo.
Her ruling coalition has suspended three senior members of the Amputuans, including Andal Amputuan, who is a town mayor in Maguindanao province.
Present
He is accused of being present during the roadside shootout when a group of more than 60 people were kidnapped.
The group was made up mostly of women and journalists on their way to the local elections office to file papers on behalf of a Mangadadatu family member.
Police found the bodies in shallow graves - some of the victims had been beheaded while others appear to have been buried alive.
Units from the Armed Forces of the Philippines have now taken control of key centres in Maguindanao province.
The army is targeting the civilian army linked to the Amputuan family as well as local police.
On a national day of mourning following the killings, flags flew at half mast and journalists in the Philippines donned black armbands to condemn the killing of colleagues.
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