Philippines political violence leaves 21 dead

Twenty-one politicians and journalists who were abducted in the southern Philippines have been found dead in an attack linked to next year\'s elections.



The military said the group was abducted by gunmen on the southern island of Mindanao while they were filing nomination papers for a candidate in local elections next May.



Registration for local and national votes began earlier this month.



Correspondents say elections in the Philippines are often marred by violence, particularly in the south, where clashes connected to local rivalries and insurgencies erupt.