FILE--In this Oct. 18, 2008 file photo released by the Presidential Close-in Photographer's Office, Malacanang Palace in Manila, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, center, with Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Datu Zaldy Ampatuan, left, inspect surrendered firearms during her visit to a military camp in Siongco, Cotabato City, southern Philippines. On Monday Nov. 23, 2009, gunmen ambushed a convoy of 40 political supporters and journalists, killing at least two dozen people, on their way to file election papers for Vice Mayor Ismael Mangudadatu of Buluan township, a candidate in a region of the Philippines notorious for violence between rival clans. The Mangudadatus blamed their rivals, the powerful Ampatuan family, which has ruled with an iron fist since 2001. An official in the president's office called it the worst political violence in recent history. (AP Photo/Reny Pampolina, PCPO, File) Mon Nov 23, 8:15 PM ET