World Photos

Government officials led by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita (bottom C), Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera (bottom R) and Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno (bottom L) are questioned during a joint session in Congress in Manila, December 9, 2009, on the basis of Proclamation 1959 by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declaring martial law in Maguindanao province. The killings -- the country's worst election-related crime -- raised fears next year's elections would be bloody and violent, but the tension is so far confined to some parts of Maguindanao, where Arroyo imposed martial law. Presiding are Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile (top L) and Speaker Prospero Nograles (top R).