MANILA -  Former defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro on Thursday said the government needs to review the arming of local militiamen in Maguindanao, also known as Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgus), after they were linked to the massacre of some 57 individuals in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Monday.

Teodoro, presidential candidate of the ruling Lakas-Kampi Christian Muslim Democrats, said Cafgus are used by the Armed Forces as an auxiliary force mainly for community defense and anti-insurgency measures.

"[Community Development Officers] and Cafgus are used against [Moro Islamic Liberation Front] intrusion. These are subject to military supervision, that is why I am calling for the immediate relief of miliary officers in that area," he said in a press conference Thursday.

He said Cafgus are needed to complement the lack of soldiers in problem areas such as Maguindanao. He also admitted that it is "easier to fund Cafgus" since they do not receive a pension like regular soldiers. "There's a financial reason behind the mobilization," he said.

He added, however, that Cafgus could also be influenced by local politicians and used as their own private bodyguards. "That is why we need to balance it out with soldiers. Unfortunately our soldiers are also reshuffled and sent to different areas," he said.

He said the government should send more soldiers and policemen to Maguindanao and disarm private armies being controlled by local politicians.

At least 20 Cafgus were arrested in Maguindanao province on Thursday on suspicions that they participated in the massacre of some 57 people in Ampatuan last Monday. Security officials said Datu Unsay town Mayor Andal "Unsay" Ampatuan Jr., the alleged mastermind of the massacre, is expected to surrender to Presidential Adviser on Mindanao Affairs Jesus Dureza on Thursday.

On Wednesday Armed Forces spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said two Special Cafgu auxiliary companies assigned in Maguindanao have been deactivated.

"All firearms, ammunitions, equipment and uniforms of the members of these companies are to be turned over to the 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army. Likewise, all Mission Orders issued by the AFP in the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City are revoked," he said.

Ampatuans' membership with Lakas 'untenable'

Teodoro, meanwhile, said the entire Lakas-Kampi CMD leadership voted to expel the Ampatuans on Wednesday because their membership in the party became untenable."We don't say they're guilty but their continued membership with the party is untenable," he said.

The former defense chief said Monday's massacre was "the worst form of terrorism" ever committed in the country.

"All of us were affected as a country. Our institutions of justice are undergoing severe tiral. It's beyond my political fortunes to say. For me, the two years and three months that I sacrificed as defense chief in fighting terrorism would be useless if I keep silent," he said.

Teodoro, however, defended the national government's seemingly slow response to the massacre. Various groups have condemned the government for failing to arrest any member of the Ampatuans despite statements made by the Mangudadatu family and massacre survivors that it was the Datu Unsay mayor who led the killing.

"I understand the position of the security authorities. There are many complex situations here. There are many armed men Including warlords and armed groups against the government. If we upset the balance, it could lead to more violence. It is very volatile," he said.

He added: "It's very delicate. Umbra Kato is still there and there are Jemaah Islamiyah men there and they could take advantage of the situation."

He said the police are also patiently gathering evidence to build an airtight case against the perpertrators.

The poice are being careful about gathering evidence because if they do it wrong, someone could walk. It's very delicate. Umbra Kato is tstill there. and tere are JI men there and they could take advantage of the situation.