President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared martial law in the province of Maguindanao and suspended the writ of habeas corpus after the Chief Executive signed Proclamation 1959 Friday night.

”Condition of peace and order in Maguindanao has deteriorated to the extent that government mechanisms are not functioning, thus endangering public safety,” Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said in a media briefing.

Remonde said the President took the bold step as an answer to the cries of justice of the 57 victims of the Maguindanao massacre last Nov. 23 which includes 30 journalists.

AFP chief Ibrado said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recommended the declaration of martial law in Maguindanao during the National Security Council meeting Thursday night, citing the massing and movements of unidentified armed groups in the province.

But Ermita also stressed that the areas occupied by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is exempted from the recent order of the President as stated in the ongoing peace talks between the government and MILF. The Philippine government is set to embark on another round of peace talks with the MILF this month.

He also explained that based on the Constitution, the President is empowered to declare martial law when there is a threat of invasion and rebellion and that the President should notify Congress within 48 hours after such an imposition.

The state of martial law will be in effect within 60 days as stated in section 18 Article 7 of the 1987 Constitution, Ermita added.

Source: PNA