Philippines Enacts Martial Law

Following last month's politically motivated massacre of 57 civilians, the Philippine government declared martial law Friday. The enactment allows authorities to make arrests without warrants, and those arrested will be charged with rebellion. The Ampatuan family, a politically powerful family in the country's southern region of Maguindanao, has been implicated in orchestrating and directing the massacre. Victims of the massacre had connections to Ismael "Toto" Mangudadatu, who was set to challenge Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. for governor in the May elections. Ampatuan Jr., who has been arrested along with at least five other members of his family, is a known warlord with connections to the Philippine president.