Police authorities, backed by soldiers, detained Saturday Maguindanao Gov. Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr. as a principal suspect in the Nov. 23 massacre of at least 57 people, among them some 30 journalists.

The arrest of the Ampatuan patriarch, along with six other political leaders and government officials in Maguindanao, including Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan, came on the heels of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s imposition of martial law and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Maguindanao to restore the rule of law, and to prevent further breakdown of civilian government operations in the province.

The arrests came as crime investigators stepped up their probe into the carnage that drew worldwide outrage and condemnation.

In a media briefing early Saturday morning, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the proclamation was necessary to ward off lawlessness and violence amidst investigations into the carnage.

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