Former Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. pleaded not guilty to murder charges . Evidence filled against him in over November killings in Maguindanao province . The Maguindanao massacre , however , is the worst politically motivated violence in recent Philippine history , according to state media . November : Killings an attempt to stop Ampatuan opponent from running for mayor . Nov. 23 massacre killed 40 people ; thirty journalists were among the dead .
Former Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. pleaded not guilty to murder charges . Evidence filled against him in over November killings in Maguindanao province . November : Killings an attempt to stop Ampatuan opponent from running for mayor . Nov. 23 massacre killed 40 people ; thirty journalists were among the dead .