Philippines' President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo delivers a opening speech during a cabinet meeting at the presidential palace in Manila November 24, 2009. The Philippines declared an indefinite state of emergency on Tuesday in the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat and in Cotabato City to "prevent and suppress the occurrence of several other incidents of lawless violence." [Agencies] 

 
Students hold placards and candles for the victims of election-related violence in Maguindanao province, southern Philippines during a protest outside the presidential palace in Manila November 24, 2009. [Xinhua]