AFP, PNP told to enforce state of emergency

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang ruled out yesterday the reimposition of martial law in Maguindanao but told the military and police forces in the province to strictly enforce the state of emergency to prevent attacks on communities.

Only last week, a village in the town of Datu Hofer Ampatuan was torched and households were looted by unidentified armed men.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said security forces in the area should “take care of the peace and order condition in the area using the powers that are allowed under the state of the emergency.”

He said the Palace is also amenable to suggestions by local authorities to impose a curfew in the province.

When asked whether President Arroyo was considering reimposing martial rule in Maguindanao due to the resurgence of violence in the last two weeks, Remonde said, “The reimposition of martial law is not within the radar screen of the government as of the moment. We are not considering that for the moment.”

He also expressed confidence that peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will continue despite reports that the rebels are behind some of the attacks on remote villages.

“The peace mechanisms are in place where we can address issues like that (attacks),” he said.