196 people including a close ally of Philippine President Gloria Arroyo have been charged with murders during an election-linked massacre in Maguindanao province in November according to prosecutors in the case.

According to papers filed to a Manila court. Andal Ampatuan Snr, the former governor of Maguindanao province where the slaughter of 57 people occurred, was also charged with murder. Others charged were men who were allegedly the gunmen who shot the victims in the massacre.

Ampatuan Snr’s son is already standing trial for murder after being accused of orchestrating the killings. It is believed he had 100 gunmen abducted and killed the victims to stop, Esmael Mangudadatu, from running against him for governor. Prosecutor Leo Dacera said those charged had been positively identified as the perpetrators.

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