Across Asia: Philippines

Suspect formally charged

The heir of a powerful clan was charged yesterday in connection with the Philippines' worst political massacre - an ambush in which 57 people, more than half journalists, were slaughtered.

Three witnesses, who escaped because their car was at the tail end of the election convoy that was attacked in a southern province Nov 23 , said they saw Andal Ampatuan Jr. and about 100 gunmen, including police officers, stopping the cars, prosecutor Al Calica said.