Reports : Order lifting martial law was due to be effective at 9 p.m. ( 8 a.m . ET ) Saturday . Local government was now back in power and the justice system was functioning again , he said . Authorities have said the Saturday massacre in Philippines was a politically motivated . At least six members of politically-powerful Muslim family in the area were arrested . Ermita is part of an autonomous region in predominantly Muslim Mindanao .
Reports : Order lifting martial law was due to be effective at 9 p.m. ( 8 a.m . ET ) Saturday . Authorities have said the Saturday massacre in Philippines was a politically motivated . At least six members of politically-powerful Muslim family in the area were arrested . Ermita is part of an autonomous region in predominantly Muslim Mindanao .