Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has declared Wednesday to be a national day of mourning for victims of Monday's politically-motivated massacre, Philippine News Agency reported.

According to the Philippine Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, the state's head expressed her condolences to the victims' families.

Arroyo also announced a state of emergency in several cities which allowed police to make wider arrests, impose a curfew and set up police checkpoints.

At least 52 people died in the "poll massacre."

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, about 100 gunmen from the so-called private army of the province's incumbent governor, Andal Ampatuan, intercepted on Monday morning a convoy of political rivals in the forthcoming provincial elections near the town of Shariff Aguak.

The convoy was on its way to file the nomination of Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu to contest the governorship of Ampatuan in the Maguindanao province next year.

A number of females were raped before being shot and there have also been reports of beheadings, national media said. The candidate's wife was also among the dead. Media reports also said 12 journalists were among those slaughtered.

Philippines military authorities suspect provincial governor Andal Ampatuan of ordering his private army to carry out the attack. Troops have been deployed to search for him.

According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, 121 people were killed in the country ahead of the 2007 parliamentary elections, and the 2004 election campaign was accompanied by 148 murders.

JAKARTA, November 25 (RIA Novosti)