The Philippines National Police say they have recovered 49 members of the Special Action Forces after a massive clash in Maguindanao. 

In a text message sent to reporters today, the operations centre of the PNP-ARMM said that as of noon today the “actual body could of the PNP SAF killed is 49.”

The text also included the message: “The cadavers were brought to the 6th ED, PA headquarters, for proper disposition,” – referring to the headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division in Cotabato City. 

Sources are now saying that 10 other SAF members are missing and that at least one civilian was killed in the clash. 

American soldiers based in Cotabato under the Philippines-US Defence Agreement assisted Philippine troops in caring for the dead and wounded.