Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared a state of emergency in three areas in the south after the worst case of election-related violence in the country’s recent history.

Many of the people killed Monday were relatives and supporters of Ismael Mangudadatu, a town vice mayor in Maguindanao province who was planning to challenge Andal Ampatuan, the province’s powerful governor, in next year’s polls. The dead also included a dozen journalists.

– Financial Times

CHINA

2 executed over tainted-milk scandal

China executed a dairy farmer and a milk salesman Tuesday for their roles in the sale of contaminated baby formula — punishments that Beijing hopes will assuage public anger and reassure importers.

Zhang Yujun, the farmer, was executed for endangering public safety and Geng Jinping for producing and selling toxic food, according to the official New China News Agency.

The men were the only people put to death in connection with a scheme to boost profits by lacing milk powder with the industrial chemical melamine; 19 others were convicted and received lesser sentences. At least six children died after drinking the adulterated formula, and more than 300,000 were sickened.

China has since tightened regulations and increased inspections on producers and exporters in cooperation with U.S. officials.