MANILA, Philippines?Journalists covering the defense beat on Monday added their voice assailing the decision of the Department of Justice (DoJ) to absolve two Ampatuan clan members from the murder charges in connection with the Maguindanao massacre.

?We, the members of the PNP (Philippine National Police) Press Corps, denounce the recent DoJ ruling dismissing the murder charges against Zaldy and Akmad Ampatuan,? journalists assigned in Camp Crame said in a statement.

The group directly linked Malacañang to the controversial decision of acting Justice Secretary Alberto Agra to exonerate the two clan members.

The journalists accused Malacañang of ?fomenting chaos? as part of an alleged plot to undermine the May 10 elections to give way for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo?s stay in power.

According to the group, some political analysts had earlier warned that Arroyo might use her authority to free the Ampatuans in gratitude for helping her win the 2004 presidential elections.

?The DoJ decision may be calculated to further fan the fires of dissent and trouble in the streets,? the press corps said.

It added: ?With the media making noise and militant howl of protest actions, Malacanang seems hell bent in fomenting chaos, if not rebellion, to justify plans to sabotage the elections and perpetuate itself in power.?

On the other hand, the Defense Press Corps sought the immediate resignation of Agra.