MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo has decided to keep a state of emergency in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato City, which was imposed last year after the November 23 massacre in Maguindanao.

In a press briefing, Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza said President Arroyo arrived at the decision based on the recommendation of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of National Defense (DND).

"The DILG and DND recommended that it should not be lifted yet. There is still violence there, threats to life and property, there is still need to employ our forces," he said.

President Arroyo placed the 2 provinces and one city in a state of emergency a day after the gruesome massacre that killed 57 people including 34 journalists in Ampatuan, Maguindanao. The massacre was allegedly perpetrated by members of the powerful Ampatuan clan against members and supporters of Buluan Vice-Mayor Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu.