MANILA - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday said it opposes the proposed declaration of martial law in Maguindanao province in the aftermath of the massacre last November 23.

The martial law proposal from Quezon City 3rd district Rep. Matias Defensor Jr., aims to prevent the escalation of violence in the province and hasten the arrest of those responsible for the massacre of at least 57 persons. 

Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, AFP public information chief, said there is no need to declare martial law in Maguindanao. He said soldiers and policemen are already in control of the situation and have already established a level of normalcy in the province. 

Days after the massacre, more than a thousand soldiers and policemen were dispatched to the area to conduct checkpoints, secure government offices, implement a gun-ban policy and dismantle private armies. 

Three companies of the special CAFGUs, which reportedly acted as a private army of the powerful Ampatuan clan in the province, have been dismantled. Almost 500 firearms from the former militia members were also seized by the military.

Meanwhile, acting National Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales said that the situation in Maguindanao is being closely monitored. He said that the actions that have been taken have already created positive results. 

Gonzales, who spoke to reporters after a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of Andres Bonifacio in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, said that a declaration of martial law is very sensitive and needs further study.