197 Filipinos Charged with Murder

One hundred ninety seven people, including a former ally of Philippine President Gloria Arroyo, were charged with murder on Tuesday for the massacre of 57 people last year. Andal Ampatuan Sr., the former governor of Maguindanao, was among the charged, as were other senior clan members, local government officials, policemen, and thugs. "All the conspirators are answerable as co-principals regardless of the extent or degree of their participation," prosecutors said in a statement. However, only 11 people are in custody, with most on the run since the November 23 killings.