AMPATUAN, Philippines (AP) — Two provinces in the southern Philippines are under emergency rule today as the death toll reached 46 in some of the deadliest election violence in the nation's history.

Authorities say police and soldiers found 22 bodies in a hillside mass grave, adding to the 24 bullet-riddled corpses recovered near the scene of yesterday's massacre.

The region is wracked by violent political rivalries, in addition to a long-running Islamic insurgency, but the killings have still been a national shock.

A media rights watchdog says that it appears to be the world's worst mass killing of journalists, with as many as 20 reportedly among the dead.

Dozens of gunmen abducted the group as it traveled to file candidacy documents.

The gubernatorial candidate, who was not a part of the convoy, blames a powerful political clan rival.

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<> 00:12 "in that area"

Oliver Teves (TEH'-vehs)

AP Correspondent Oliver Teves reports this is considered some of the deadliest election violence in Philippine history.

<> 00:04 "election related violence"

Oliver Teves (TEH'-vehs)

AP Correspondent Oliver Teves reports that at least 46 bodies found in the southern Philippines are thought to be the victims of a rival political party.

<> 00:13 "their bare hands"

Oliver Teves (TEH'-vehs)

AP Correspondent Oliver Teves reports authorities have found more bodies in a southern Philippine province. ((watch for dating))