Following the declaration of a state of emergency in Maguindanao in the wake of Monday’s gruesome killing of 57 people, including 17 journalists, the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Wednesday disbanded all Special CAFGU Active Auxiliary (SCAA) in the province, AFP spokesman, Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, Jr. announced.

Brawner said on orders of AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Rodrigo Maclang, acting chief of staff, all high-powered firearms issued the two SCAA companies in Maguindanao were likewise recalled.

Brawner said the move was part of the AFP’s Plan of Action following the declaration of State of Emergency in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato City. The order also provides that all guns, uniforms, and ammunition issued to members of SCAA in Maguindanao be turned over to the AFP command.

According to the AFP spokesman, the military is currently looking into reports on the alleged involvement of the SCAAs in the Maguindanao massacre.

“We are conducting an investigation as to the involvement of our own men and we would like to assure the public that this will be carried out impartially and transparently,” Brawner said.

He added Maclang has also revoked all previously issued permits to carry firearms in Maguindanao, as part of efforts from to control people who carry firearms and are coming in and out of the province.

Brawner explained the SCAAs, consisting of two companies and numbering about 200, were created upon the request of the local government of Maguindanao. However, operation and control of the SCAAs remained with the AFP.

“The AFP continues to assist the Philippine National Police in the conduct of pursuit operations to capture the perpetrators of the recent merciless actions that undermined our nation’s democratic principles,” Brawner stated.