In pictures: Philippines massacre

Police inspect the bodies in a hillside grave in Ampatuan, Maguindanao province

Dozens of people were killed in the southern Philippines on Monday, in what officials say was a politically motivated attack.

The victims were killed as they travelled to file nomination papers for local politician Ismael Mangudadatu in next year's elections in Maguindanao province. Their bodies were found dumped in a hillside grave in Ampatuan.

Grieving relatives believe the victims were shot after being abducted by gunmen loyal to the rival Ampatuan clan. However, no suspects have been formally named in the killings.

Filipino journalists hold a candle-lit protest in Quezon City, near Manila

Among the victims were at least 13 reporters. Filipino journalists later staged a candle-lit protest, denouncing the killings.

The massacre has been widely condemned across the Philippines and around the world. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called it a "heinous crime".

Bus passengers are checked by security forces in Ampatuan

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has vowed to hunt down the perpetrators, declaring a state of emergency in two provinces on the island of Mindanao.