MANILA, Philippines -- The week-long martial rule in parts of Maguindanao did not result in human rights violations by the military as feared by its critics but human rights issues remain under a climate of uncertainty in the volatile province, according to the Commission on Human Rights.

"While there were reports or complaints of human rights violations, such as harassment [like] confiscation of cellphones, none was validated by the CHR," Leila De Lima, chair of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said in a text message to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

However, De Lima said, there have been "human rights issues" affecting residents in the area.

She noted the mass exodus of civilians from Shariff Aguak to nearby provinces and the closure of most business establishments and public schools.

De Lima added that while the military did not restrict the movements in the area, there were checkpoints that were "not well-lighted at nighttime."

CHR Commissioner Manuel Mamauag told by phone that some 500 residents from Barangay Salman in Ampatuan town, where the grisly November 23 massacre took place, have abandoned their homes and begun staying along the highway near the town hall, "scared of possible armed clashes."

"It's like a tent city here," said Mamauag, who has been in Maguindanao since Saturday to lead the CHR's investigation into the murders allegedly perpetrated by the powerful Ampatuan family throughout their reign in the country's second poorest province.

Mamauag said that during the short-lived martial law in the province, the CHR received complaints of the warrantless arrests of 47 individuals whose cellular phones were inspected by the military. They were later released.

Mamauag said that perhaps, the lack of human rights violations, as feared by its critics haunted by the human rights abuses by the military during the Marcos dictatorship, did not happen because of "the different mode of its declaration."

"Martial law was directed at one particular clan only. For so many years, the residents here have been living in anxiety and doubt, mistrust and fear. They didn't want to get involved [in the crackdown on the Ampatuans after the massacre]," Mamauag said.

He said that the military could hardly been seen roaming the streets at daytime.

"The bulk of the military comes out at around 5 pm. Maybe that's their strategy," Mamauag noted.