Since the controversy wouldn’t die down, on December 5 President Arroyo had Governor Ampatuan Sr. taken into military custody for “questioning” and the province placed under martial law.
Dahil hindi mapatatahimik ang isyu, iniutos ni Arroyo noong Disyembre 5 ang paghuli upang “taunungin” sina Ampatuan Sr. at idineklara ang buong Maguindanao sa ilalim ng batas-militar.