MANILA -- The Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) expelled from the administration party three members of the Ampatuan clan following allegations linking them to the Maguindanao massacre.

Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs and a member of the Lakas-Kampi National Advisory Council Gabriel Claudio, in a text message, said the decision was reached during an emergency meeting on Wednesday night of the Lakas-Kampi national executive committee.

Claudio said the national executive committee "unanimously approved the motion of party chairman Gilbert Teodoro to expel from the party provincial governor (former Maguindanao) Andal Ampatuan Sr., Armm (Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao) regional Governor Zaldy Ampatuan and (Datu Unsay, Maguindanao) Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr."

Mayor Ampatuan was accused by some witnesses of involvement in the massacre that resulted in the death of several mediamen, supporters, staff and family members of Buluan, Maguindanao Vice Mayor Ishmael "Toto" Mangudadatu.

The victims were supposed to file Mangudadatu's certificate of candidacy for governor when their convoy was blocked. Bodies of the victims were later recovered. The death toll now reached 57. (JMR/Sunnex)