Maguindanao, Nov 23 (THAINDIAN NEWS) In a very tragic and unfortunate massacre, more than 30 people were murdered, some were even beheaded by armed men in Maguindanao province, which is on the southern island of Mindanao. Among these 30 victims, there were 12 journalists.

“Never in the history of journalism have the news media suffered such a heavy loss of life in one day,” Reporters Without Borders said. “We convey our condolences and sympathy to all journalists in the Philippines, who are in state of shock after this appalling massacre.”

The massacre took place after a few supporters, of Esmael Mangudadatu, an Ampatuan clan opponent who wants to run for governor were kidnapped by numerous gunmen, which were under the leadership of Andal Ampatuan Jr, who is the mayor of Shariff Aguak.

Numerous media journalists accompanied this group of supporters of Esmael Mangudadatu, and they were going to the electoral bureau to file his candidature. The opponents wanted to prevent them from filing the papers so they kidnapped the whole group and then in a brutal way also massacred them, some of the key people were also beheaded.

Among the dead, were Mangudadatu’s wife, sister and other relatives.

The press freedom organization added: “We have often condemned the culture of impunity and violence in the Philippines, especially Mindanao. This time, the frenzied violence of thugs working for corrupt politicians has resulted in an incomprehensible bloodbath. We call for a strong reaction from the local and national authorities.”