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Manila pursues 3,000 clan rebels Manila pursues 3,000 clan rebels
(about 2 hours later)
Philippine armed forces and police say they are pursuing at least 3,000 armed men loyal to the Ampatuan clan in the southern province of Maguindanao.Philippine armed forces and police say they are pursuing at least 3,000 armed men loyal to the Ampatuan clan in the southern province of Maguindanao.
Troops have cordoned off the province, confiscated weapons caches and arrested scores of alleged gunmen.
Manila has accused the clan of ordering the massacre of 57 people last week and of fomenting rebellion.Manila has accused the clan of ordering the massacre of 57 people last week and of fomenting rebellion.
But the government is also under fire for declaring a province-wide martial law and for its claims of rebellion. Officials said gunmen fired on troops in the first violence since martial law was declared in the province.
Flag raising Rights groups have said they would challenge the imposition of martial law in the Supreme Court.
Unconfirmed reports suggested troops clashed with groups of armed men in Maguindanao on Sunday evening but no casualties have been reported so far. Troops have cordoned off the province, confiscated weapons caches and arrested scores of alleged gunmen.
"There have been shooting incidents between these groups and the Philippine National Police," Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno told reporters. Rebellion charges
Police commandos came under fire on Sunday as they patrolled near Datu Unsay, the town controlled by the chief suspect in the 23 November massacre, Andal Ampatuan Jr.
"Suddenly they [the police] were fired upon and there was an exchange of gunfire. They were not able to move so they called in reinforcements," said the chief of the Philippines National Police, Jesus Verzosa.
He said there were no casualties among the police.
Arroyo legacy at risk in massacre In pictures: Philippines martial law Massacre 'simply beyond words'Arroyo legacy at risk in massacre In pictures: Philippines martial law Massacre 'simply beyond words'
"They have engaged in actual firefights with some of the uniformed services," he said, according to the AFP news agency.
National police chief director Gen Jesus Verzosa said the fighting occurred on Sunday evening in the Datu Unsay municipality, AFP says.
On Monday, the government said it had taken full control of Shariff Aguak, the capital of Maguindanao province, and Defence Secretary Norberto Gonzales reportedly led government employees in a symbolic flag raising and singing of the national anthem.On Monday, the government said it had taken full control of Shariff Aguak, the capital of Maguindanao province, and Defence Secretary Norberto Gonzales reportedly led government employees in a symbolic flag raising and singing of the national anthem.
The staff pledged allegiance to the government as armoured personnel carriers patrolled highways and heavily armed troops guarded government buildings.The staff pledged allegiance to the government as armoured personnel carriers patrolled highways and heavily armed troops guarded government buildings.
But military officials told reporters that many local residents still feared the Ampatuan clan.But military officials told reporters that many local residents still feared the Ampatuan clan.
Prosecutors have drawn up charges of rebellion in addition to those of murder lodged against members of the Ampatuan clan - which has denied involvement in the massacre.Prosecutors have drawn up charges of rebellion in addition to those of murder lodged against members of the Ampatuan clan - which has denied involvement in the massacre.
Conspiracy theories The clan has long controlled Maguindanao and its members have been loyal supporters of President Gloria Arroyo.
The murders were allegedly carried out to prevent a rival of Andal Ampatuan Jr from running for governor of the province in next year's elections.
Mr Ampatuan Jr has been charged with 25 counts of murder. His father, former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr, and three of his brothers were among suspects held last week.
Unease
President Gloria Arroyo's critics and human rights groups have criticised the declaration of rebellion because it gives a political gloss to the crimes and allows suspects to be granted bail and presidential amnesty.President Gloria Arroyo's critics and human rights groups have criticised the declaration of rebellion because it gives a political gloss to the crimes and allows suspects to be granted bail and presidential amnesty.
Mrs Arroyo also faces legal action by lawyers and civil society groups for her declaration of martial law in Maguindanao. These same groups are preparing a challenge in the Supreme Court to the declaration of martial law.
The South China Morning Post newspaper said the Senate defence committee chairman Rodolfo Biazon, a former army chief of staff, was one of the dissenting voices. The security forces say martial law is allowing them the freedom they need to move against the Ampatuan empire.
"I am disconcerted when they say they are going to file rebellion charges against the Ampatuans. That to me is the first step to absolving the Ampatuans of mass murder charges," he was quoted as saying. But many Filipinos are uneasy about the methods being used to do what should have been done long ago, says the BBC's South East Asia correspondent Rachel Harvey.
A variety of conspiracy theories has been put forward for the declaration of martial law just months ahead of elections. Some Arroyo critics say she may move to extend martial law across the country in a bid to hold on to power after her term ends next year.
The vice-governor of North Cotabato province, Manny Pinol, was quoted as saying he had received reports of the Ampatuans threatening to "tell all they knew about electoral cheating" if Mrs Arroyo abandoned them.
The clan has long controlled Maguindanao and its members have been loyal supporters of President Arroyo.
Former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr, and four of his sons, were among suspects held last week.
One of the sons, Andal Ampatuan Jr, is suspected of orchestrating the 23 November massacre and has been charged with 25 counts of murder.
The imposition of martial law in Maguindanao is its first use in the country since the fall of autocrat Ferdinand Marcos.
Marcos imposed martial law nationwide from 1972 until 1981. He stayed in power until 1986.
Do you live in Maguindanao? Do you feel safe? What do you think about the declaration of martial law? Send us your views using the form below.Do you live in Maguindanao? Do you feel safe? What do you think about the declaration of martial law? Send us your views using the form below.
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & ConditionsThe BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions