Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered martial law in Maguindanao, the province where the massacre of 57 civilians on November 23 took place.

Her decision was aimed at the immediate arrests of several other suspects in the worst election-related violence in the country’s history.

Government sources said the martial law will be effective beginning Saturday.

The order was approved by the President, who is also the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ commander-in-chief, Thursday night.

While in effect, Colonel Leo Cresente Ferrer, acting commander of the Philippine Army’s 601^st Infantry Brigade, will act as Maguindanao provincial military governor, replacing Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr, who is a suspect in the massacre.

Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr, the governor’s son, has already been charged with 25 counts of murder.

According to the 1987 Philippine Constitution, a martial law declaration allows the arrests of civilians without warrants. However, it is only applicable to persons who are charged for rebellion or offenses connected with an invasion.

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