Rebellion charges aimed at Filipino clan

MANILA, Philippines, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Philippines authorities said Monday they will file rebellion charges against the leaders of a powerful Maguindanao province political clan.

Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera told reporters the rebellion charges are in addition to existing murder investigations of former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., and his son, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan, GMAnews.tv reported.

The Web site said both have been arrested in connection with the Nov. 23 massacre of 57 people in the province. It quoted Devanadera as saying evidence is also being weighed that could result in rebellion charges against 22 others, including several other Ampatuan family members.

Manila placed the province under martial law last week, suspending the writ of habeas corpus in what it said is a bid to contain an Ampatuan-led rebellion.

Philippines opposition party members say they disapprove of the rebellion charges because they could trump possible murder charges against the Ampatuans, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.

"Rebellion subsumes all acts like murder," Rep. Satur Ocampo told the newspaper. "If they are acquitted of rebellion, the murder charges would also be done away with."