Philippines Lifts Martial Law in Southern Province

MANILA, Philippines - A spokesman for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo says she has lifted martial law in a southern Philippine province where 57 people were massacred in the worst political violence in the country.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said Arroyo signed a proclamation late Saturday lifting martial law and ending the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Maguindanao province.

Arroyo took the controversial action eight days earlier to move against the powerful Ampatuan clan accused of planning the Nov. 23 mass killing and fomenting a rebellion. The Ampatuans have denied involvement in the killings.

Troops have disarmed hundreds of militias loyal to the clan and recovered numerous arms and ammunition in and near Ampatuan properties.