MANILA (PNA) — Martial law in Maguindanao will be lifted as soon as the objectives for which it has been proclaimed have been met.

MANILA (PNA) —- A Palace spokesperson yesterday maintained that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has complied with Constitutional requisites when she filed with Congress her written report to justify her declaration of martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Maguindanao province last Dec. 3.

ZAMBOANGA CITY (AFP) - Security forces scoured a jungle in Basilan yesterday for two factory workers held by Al Qaeda-linked militants, after the severed head of one hostage was dumped in a park.

MANILA (PNA) – Senator Rodolfo Biazon filed yesterday a resolution calling for the investigation of the Civilian Volunteer Organizations (CVOs) and Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Units (CAFGUs) who are being transformed into private armies by local politicians and warlords.