President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo lifted martial law Saturday in a southern Philippine province where 57 people were massacred last month in the country's worst political violence, her spokesman said.
Arroyo signed the proclamation lifting martial law and ending the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in Maguindanao province before late Saturday, eight days after taking the controversial step in order to move against a powerful clan blamed for killings, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said.
It was the first time that martial law had been declared since late dictator Ferdinand Marcos imposed it nationwide more than 30 years ago and ruled by decree until he was toppled in 1986.
The edict allowed security forces to make arrests without court warrants and to move against the Ampatuan clan blamed for the Nov. 23 killings of members of a rival clan and 30 journalists, and accused of fomenting a rebellion to prevent authorities from arresting members of the family.
The Ampatuans have ruled Maguindanao for years and are allies of Arroyo, but the ruling party expelled them days after the killings. The Ampatuans have denied involvement in the massacre.
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By: Brant
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