MANILA, Philippines—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo placed under a state of emergency, on Tuesday, the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City, following the massacre of journalists and supporters of a gubernatorial aspirant in Maguindanao.

In a statement Tuesday, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said a state of emergency was declared in the three localities "for the purpose of preventing and suppressing lawless elements in the area."

"The state of emergency shall remain in force until lifted or withdrawn by the President," Remonde said.

So far, a PNP report says 24 bodies have been recovered from the massacre site in Maguindanao.

The powerful Ampatuan clan has been linked to the killings.