First day of filing certificates of candidacy for Maguindanao province. Rumors have it that the Ampatuan family will object to the fielding of candidates from the rival Mangudadatu clan.

Information on Ismael “Toto” Mangudadatu’s plan to run as governor is circulating.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) set up 6 new checkpoints along General Santos-Cotabato highway from Datu Sangki, at the boundary of Sultan Kudarat, to the crossing of Salbu, Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, in relation, supposedly, to Oplan Kontra Boga, PNP’s plan to regulate firearms.

Three of the checkpoints are in Ampatuan town. [Source: NUJP]