In Philippines, twenty-one people have been found dead, including 13 women. According to reports, a group of 30 people were kidnapped on the southern island of Mindanao early today when they were on their way to file a nomination for a local mayor, Esmael Mangudadatu for the forthcoming local polls. Reports say, he was not part of the group but his wife, lawyers and a number of journalists were said to have been among those taken when their three-vehicle convoy was hijacked. Elections in the Philippines are often marred by violence, particularly in the south, where clashes connected to local rivalries and insurgencies erupt. The country is to hold national elections in May 2010. Registration for local and national races began earlier this month.