The first piece is an Invisible Ink that appeared on the web but not in my rube print copy.
"Suspect in Philippines attack surrenders" by Associated Press | November 26, 2009
AMPATUAN, Philippines - Authorities say a scion of a powerful clan suspected in the massacre of 57 people in an election caravan in the southern Philippines has turned himself in.
The dead from Monday’s massacre include the wife, family, and supporters of a gubernatorial candidate who wanted to challenge the rival Ampatuan clan, which has ruled the lawless province of Maguindanao unopposed for years. Dozens of journalists traveling with the group also were slain.
Army Lieutenant General Raymundo Ferrer said that Andal Ampatuan Jr., a town mayor who allegedly stopped the convoy with four police commanders and dozens of police and pro-government militiamen, surrendered himself to presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza in the provincial capital. Ampatuan’s family is denying the allegations of his involvement in the slayings.
I'd like to believe the account; however, this is AmeriKa's MSM!
NOTHING is to be believed!
"Philippines prepares charges in massacre; Town mayor turns himself in amid threat by military" by Aaron Favila and Jim Gomez, Associated Press | November 27, 2009
AMPATUAN, Philippines - Under threat of military attack, the scion of the clan suspected in the slaughter of 57 people in the southern Philippines turned himself in yesterday, and prosecutors say he will face murder charges in the country’s worst election violence.
Andal Ampatuan Jr., a town mayor, maintains he had nothing to do with the ambush of a convoy carrying his political rival’s family, supporters, and at least 22 journalists. Their bodies - mowed down by point-blank shots and some hacked up - were found in mass graves hastily dug by a backhoe. Some were buried with their vehicles.
The first reports said they were sprawled on the ground.
The 41-year-old is heir to the Ampatuan kingdom: impoverished, rural, and lawless Maguindanao Province, where they have ruled for years with a reputation for ruthlessness that led few to dare to challenge them. Hundreds of pro-government militiamen in their employ have been disarmed since the massacre.
And CUI BONO?
Guess this "backfired" on him, huh?
Ismael Mangudadatu, vice mayor of Buluan township, did the unthinkable when he decided to file his candidacy for governorship in May 2010 elections. Having received death threats, he sent his wife, sisters, and other female relatives to submit his papers, hoping that women would be spared the kind of violence that regularly reigns in the region.
Would YOU vote for a COWARD?!
And the MORE I READ THIS the MORE IT STINKS!!!!!
Asked by reporters whether he was involved in the killings, Ampatuan, who tried to hide his face with a scarf as he was ferried from his home province, replied: “There is no truth to that. The reason I came out is to prove that I am not hiding and that I am not guilty.’’
Ampatuan gave himself up to presidential adviser Jesus Dureza in the provincial capital of Shariff Aguak, following days of negotiations and hours after troops and police sent in tanks, trucks, and armored carriers around administrative buildings.
No longer a "peace" adviser?
Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno had threatened to attack the family compound unless they turned over Ampatuan by midday yesterday. At an airport building where he was initially questioned, Ampatuan was confronted by an enraged Mangudadatu. Relatives and officials had to step in to restrain them....
--more--"Has the rain stopped yet, Filipinos?
