Clan gunmen suspected of November massacre clash with police in Philippines

By MAIL FOREIGN SERVICE

Gunmen loyal to a powerful clan accused of the worst political massacre in the history of the Philippines have clashed with police.

Up to 30 armed followers of the Ampatuan clan, who are the main suspect for the killings in November of 57 people in a rival election convoy, opened fire on police commandos yesterday.

It is the first outbreak of violence since a southern province came under martial law and happened as commandos were patrolling the Data Unsay township where the massacre happened last month.

The attackers withdrew after two armoured troop carriers were sent to push them back, national police chief Jesus Verzosa said.

They were among more than 2,400 gunmen who had massed in 16 of Maguindanao's 22 townships to defend the Ampatuan clan, which has ruled the province unopposed for four years.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo imposed martial law in the predominantly Muslim province on Friday amid fears the Ampatuans were plotting a revolt.

Authorities arrested the head of the family, Andal Ampatuan Sr, and at least six other family members and 60 or so followers over the weekend on suspicion of planning the November 23 massacre.

The deaths included 30 journalists and their staff who were travelling in the convoy of a political rival. The Ampatuan clan has denied any involvement.

Prosecutors today drew up additional charges of rebellion against the arrested suspects, as troops uncovered more hidden weapons.

Ampatuan's son, Andal Ampatuan Jr, who turned himself in last month, is the only one charged with multiple counts of murder.

Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera said murder charges would be filed against the other Ampatuans.

Further charges of allegedly organising armed resistance were being drawn up today after a haul of weapons were found on a fam believed to be owned by the clan in Shariff Aguak.

Brig. Gen. Gaudencio Pangilinan said 39 firearms and crates of ammunition were dug up. Other stockfiles, including mortar shells, were retrieved last week outside the Ampatuans' compound.

Officials said the weapons, some stamped with Defence Department markings, were enough to arm a battalion.

Troops are hunting for around 4,000 clan supporters in total, as some are said to be gathering in towns ready to hit back.

Security forces have sealed off Maguindanao's exit points and mounted checkpoints, police chief Andres Caro said.

Brig. Gen. Pangilinan said the gunmen were capable of carrying out bombings, arson attacks and abductions.

The Ampatuans are notorious for running a large private army, many of them pro-government militia who are meant to be an auxiliary force to the military and police in battling insurgents and bandits.

The clan helped Arroyo win crucial votes from Maguindanao during 2004 elections, but the administration's party expelled them after the massacre.

Citing a breakdown in law and order and massing up of Ampatuan's supporters, Arroyo on late imposed martial law in Maguindanao on Friday.

It is the first use of military rule in the Philippines since late dictator Ferdinand Marcos declared it nationwide more than 30 years ago.

Pro-democracy advocates accused her of overreacting and a group of human rights lawyers plan to challenge the move in the Supreme Court today.

An Ampatuan ally, Rep. Didagen Dilangalen, has filed a separate motion against martial law.

Arroyo sent a report on her martial law declaration to Congress, which will convene Tuesday to approve or reject it. Her allies dominate the lower house.