Violence fears cloud Philippine poll

Campaiging in the southern Philippines province of Maguindanao for general elections, which is just a week away, has been overshadowed by the country's worst case of political violence that took place late last year.

Maguindanao is located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), in Mindanao island, which is composed of all the Philippines' predominantly Muslim provinces.

In November, 25 members of the Mangudadu family and at least 32 affiliates were massacred on their way to file for the candidacy of Esmale Mangudadatu, who is the vice mayor of the Buluan municipality and is now running for governor of Maguinadano.

The alleged perpetrators include 12 incumbent politicians and leaders of the rival Ampatuan family, who are on trial for the killings.

But 10 of the accused are still running for posts in the upcoming elections and many fear a repeat of the violence.

Al Jazeera's Marga Ortigas reports Maguindanao province.

[May 3, 2010]