MANILA, Dec. 14, 2009—Strong protests from various groups against martial law may have pressured President Arroyo to lift it from troubled Maguindanao, a church leader said.

“I think our quick, continuous protest actions played a part in it,” said Sr. Mary John Mananzan, OSB, co-chairperson of the influential Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines.

A street parliamentarian herself, Mananzan said Mrs. Arroyo’s decision to lift martial law “is definitely a welcome move.”

However, she added there should still be a declaration from the Supreme Court that the proclamation of martial law in Maguindanao was unconstitutional.

Catholic bishops earlier expressed relief over the lifting of martial law in Maguindanao where 57 people were massacred allegedly on the orders by an influential political clan there.

Surigao Bishop Antonieto D. Cabajog said “lifting martial law is good”.

He added the full force of the law should take its course and without delay and should have no “sacred cows.”

Former Legazpi Bishop Jose Sorra also welcomed Mrs. Arroyo’s move, saying the President herself must have realized that such declaration is not needed in Maguindanao.

Malacañang officials on Saturday said the chief executive lifted martial law because the Muslim clan accused of a political massacre was fully neutralized. (Melo M. Acuña)