MANILA, Philippines?Sen. Rodolfo Biazon Sunday warned that government moves to file rebellion charges against the Ampatuan clan could be a ?sinister plot? to allow its accused members to evade responsibility for the Nov. 23 massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao.
Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera said that prosecutors were putting together the government?s case against the Ampatuans in connection with allegations of rebellion and multiple murder and that she expected the charges to be filed within three days.
While Biazon said in a telephone interview that the rebellion charge could be an attempt to justify President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo?s imposition of martial law in the province, it could also be an ?escape route? for the clan that delivered crucial votes to her and her allies in the elections of 2004 and 2007.
Under the Constitution, martial law can only be declared if there is rebellion or invasion, said Biazon, a former chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
?But I see a more sinister plot in filing rebellion versus the Ampatuans. Because murder, arson and other serious crimes may be absorbed in the crime of rebellion,? he said.
Biazon added that rebellion was difficult to prove and those charged with the crime could be given amnesty. ?So, is this a first step to absolve the Ampatuans of the mass murder??
The former general said it was possible Malacańang was providing a ?way out? or ?opening the door for the Ampatuans to find an escape route from the responsibility of the mass murders.?
Biazon said he did not see the need to declare martial law in Maguindanao, pointing out that the country has sufficient laws and agencies ?to arrest, investigate and prosecute those responsible for the massacre.?
Dismissing military claims of a looming rebellion with the sightings of gunmen in the province, he said that many armed guerrillas of the communist New People?s Army had been sighted in Bicol, Samar and Leyte.
?Will you declare martial law because of these sightings too?? he asked.
In an interview on radio station dzBB, Devanadera explained the justice department move to charge the Ampatuans with rebellion, punishable by life imprisonment, on top of murder.
?We did not see them plotting against the government, we saw the deed done. They have usurped power from the government there,? she said.
?This is not ordinary chaos taking place in one area, this has an armed component. And there is removal of allegiance from the Republic of the Philippines by the leaders of this group.? With reports from Jeannette I. Andrade and Agence France-Presse
