Philippines - martial law

Philippines to drop martial law soon

Article published on the 2009-12-07 Latest update 2009-12-07 08:12 TU

President Gloria Arroyo (R) talks to family members of journalists killed in the Maguindanao massacre
(Photo: Reuters)

The Philippines government has moved swiftly to dispel unrest at its imposition of martial law in a southern province by saying that it will be lifted as soon as a powerful Muslim clan accused of a political massacre is fully neutralised.

"There is no need for an extended martial law," Defence Secretary Norberto Gonzales told reporters in Shariff Aguak, the capital of Maguindanao province.

Martial law was imposed on the province by President Gloria Arroyo on Friday after the Ampatuan clan – who are accused of being behind the 23 November killings of members of a rival family and a group of journalists -.threatened to use its massive private army if its leaders were arrested.

Gonzales said that Arroyo had given police and military orders to arrest the masterminds and disarm the rebel force.

"What she wants is once we accomplish this, right away martial law will be lifted," he said.

One clan leader, Andal Ampatuan Jnr has been arrested and charged with 25 counts of murder. His father, Andal Ampatuan Snr and four other members were apprehended on Saturday.

About 3,000 armed followers of the Ampatuans, however, are believed to have escaped into the hills, posing a potential threat.

Some of these gunmen on Sunday evening attacked patrolling police commandos, triggering a brief gun battle but no casualties.

The declaration of martial law caused concern that Arroyo would extend it across the country, using it – as former President Fernando Marcos did – to perpetuate her term in office which is due to end next year.

Congress is expected to convene a special session on Tuesday to decide whether to back or reject Arroyo's martial law for Maguindanao.