FT Chronicle

MANILA, Philippines –President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared martial law in Maguindanao, a senior Malacañang official announced Saturday.

The declaration, contained in Proclamation 1959, also suspended the writ of habeas corpus in the province, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita told an early Palace briefing.

The Ampatuans, a powerful clan in the province, have been tagged as suspects in the killings and the crackdown on members of the family began with the arrest of Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., days after what has been considered as the worst election-related violence in the country.

“Condition of peace and order in Maguindanao has deteriorated to the extent that the local judicial system and government mechanisms are not functioning thus endangering public safety . . .” Ermita said, reading from the proclamation.

Quoting Section 18, Article 7 of the Constitution, Ermita said that, “ [The President] in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he [or she] may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law.”

The “elements of rebellion are present, hence the basis for the proclamation of martial law” in Maguindanao, said Ermita.

He also said that government forces would be in full control to preserve peace and order in the province and arrest the perpetrators of the massacre and those plotting violence.

Ermita said the decision to declare martial law was reached at about 9 p.m. Friday.

He said Malacanang would officially inform Congress about the proclamation, which Congress has 48 hours to act on.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the President took the “bold step” in answer to the cries of the more than 50 victims of the massacre in Maguindanao last November 23.

Arroyo named Lieutenant General Raymundo Ferrer to take administrative control of Maguindanao province.

via Inquirer.net