Manila – Radio Reports in the capitol say the Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has lifted martial in Maguindanao province by 9pm saturday night – even as the Philippine congress is still debating legitimizing its imposition in the first place.
No mention of this was made in a weekly press conference this morning by palace officials in Manila.
News reports on local radio stations and televsion announced this saturday afternoon in Manila.
Reports say that most of those wanted in connection with the mass murder of politcal supporters of a powerful political clan – and – members of the local media in Mindanao have either been arrested or effective resistance nutralized in the wake of massive military operation versus a private army in the area.
The Military leadership has also reported that situation in the area has stablized,"Most of the private armed groups are either fleeing or surrendering fearing to clash with government forces would be sucidial."
No Martial Law Expansion: No plans to extend or expand coverage
Meanwhile at a weekly radio briefing for the publoc on government radio the Arroyo Administraition spokesman and Press Secretary Cerge Reymonde said, "There are no plans to extand or expand martial law to any other part of the country at this time nor are any being planned." speaking on government radio station DZRB in Manila.
Press Secretary Remonde also sought to allay fears of some groups who were victims of a martial law era in the 70’s and 80’s that no plans exist nor is he aware of any need for the expansion of martial law to any other part of the Philippines.
Press Secretary Remonde said in government-run Radyo ng Bayan, that there was no no basis to declare martial law in Metro Manila since there was an effective government in Metropolis.
”Those fears have no basis. I would like to assure our people that those fears have no basis because unlike in Maguindanao, the national government is very much functioning,” Remonde said.
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