Authorities in the Philippines are preparing to bring charges against over 160 people accused of participation in the massacre of at least 57 members of a rival political group.

The victims were attacked on November 23 in the island of Mindanao's Maguindanao province by a large group of gunmen as they traveled to file nomination papers for a local mayor intending to participate in a governorship election.

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.

"We have currently identified 161 people suspected of direct involvement in this horrific slaughter," Philippines police chief Jesus Verzosa said on national television.

Media reports say both serving police officers and soldiers were involved in the killings.

Andal Ampatuan, Jr., the son of a key local supporter of the incumbent Philippine president, Gloria Arroyo, was arrested on November 26 on suspicion of being behind the attack.

JAKARTA, December 9 (RIA Novosti)