In the Maguindanao massacre in the Philippines on November 23 , 2009 , 57 people were killed while en route to file an electoral certificate of candidacy for Esmael Mangudadatu , vice mayor of Buluan town , in upcoming gubernatorial elections for Maguindanao province . The dead included Mangudadatu 's wife , his two sisters , journalists , lawyers , aides , and motorists who were witnesses . At least 198 suspects were charged with murder , including incumbent governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. , and his son , Andal Ampatuan Jr. who was to be a candidate to succeed him . On November 16 , 2010 , the international non-governmental organization Human Rights Watch issued a 96 page report titled " They Own the People , " charting the Ampatuans ’ rise to power , including their use of violence to expand their control and eliminate threats to the family 's rule
Maguindanao massacre
Maguindanao massacre
Extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances in the Philippines