MANILA, Philippines – The Ampatuans, the primary suspects in the brutal killing of 57 people in Maguindanao last November 23, might be released from detention after the ifting of martigal in the province, a presidential bet today claimed.

Felix Cantal, Philippine Green Republic party standard bearer, said removing military rule could lead to the release of people arrested during that time, such as the Ampatuans, their supporters and civilian volunteer organizations.

Under martial law, defendants in a murder case can never be given bail but without military rule, they can file for bail, said Cantal, a former member of the United Nations International Court of Justice.

He said the authorities should have placed the whole province of Maguidanao under a cordone sanitaire, to prevent people from entering and leaving the place.

“Then the people behind this unprecedented and gruesome murder will not be able to escape and the mastermind easily apprehended,” Cantal said.

Cantal also said that under martial rule, those charged with rebellion or murder must be charged before a military court.

Full Story: Philstar/Yahoo PH