Philippines evaluating possibility of lifting emergency in S provinces

The Aquino administration is looking at the possibility of lifting the state of emergency imposed in three provinces in Southern Philippines, one of which was the place where more than 50 people were brutally murdered.

The government is currently reviewing the state of emergency that remains in effect over Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Corabato City and has entertained the possibility of lifting it anytime soon, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. told reporters on Friday.

But before making any drastic move, Ochoa said they would like to know how it is being implemented at present, its impact and if it is still necessary.

Former Philippine president-turned-local politician Gloria Arroyo placed Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Corabato City under a state of emergency on Nov. 27, 2009, following the Maguindanao massacre where more than 50 people, including more than 30 mediamen, were killed.

Martial Law was later declared over Maguindanao on Dec. 4 , 2009, which was lifted on Dec. 11. The state of emergency, however, remains.

Source: Xinhua