Filipino army arrests 47 in Maguindanao

MANILA, Philippines, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Six members of a powerful Filipino family were among 47 people arrested in a martial law crackdown in the province of Maguindanao, authorities said Sunday.

The military took control of the province Friday night in an attempt to quash support for the Ampatuan family, The New York Times reported.

The family is suspected of organizing a massacre two weeks ago that killed 57 people, army spokesman Randolph Cabangbang said.

Six members of the Ampatuan family were arrested Saturday, including the patriarch, Andal Ampatuan Sr., and his son, Zaldy, the governor of the predominately Muslim region.

Forty firearms, including assault rifles and ammunition, were seized from property owned by Ampatuan Sr., Cabangbang said.

The Ampatuans once were allies of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, but stand accused of mounting a rebellion against the government.