Korrithor
24-02-2006, 09:03
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4745716.stm
Emergency declared in Philippines
President Arroyo has survived attempted coups before
Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has declared a state of national emergency, after the army said it had prevented an attempted coup.
She said was taking the action "because of the clear threat to the nation".
A senior general has been arrested for allegedly planning to lead troops taking part in civilian protests.
In recent days, there have been growing rumours of a coup timed to coincide with Saturday's 20th anniversary of the ousting of President Ferdinand Marcos.
The BBC's Sarah Toms in Manila says coup rumours are common in the Philippines, which has seen a dozen attempts to overthrow the government in the past 20 years.
Two of Mrs Arroyo's predecessors, Marcos and Joseph Estrada, were ousted in public revolts.
'Clear and present danger'
Announcing the state of emergency, Mrs Arroyo said on Friday that she had authorised the military and police "to take ample measures".
Security in Manila has been tightened amid coup fears
"This is my warning to those who are attempting anything against the government," she added.
The conspiracy by "totalitarian forces of both the extreme left and extreme right" constituted "a clear and present danger to the safety and the integrity of the Philippine state and of the Filipino people," she said.
Emergency rule allows arrests without warrants and extended detention without charge.
Analysts say is a very sensitive issue in the Philippines, where martial law was in force for nine years under President Marcos.
Anti-Arroyo protesters had planned to stage a rally on Friday, but the police have withdrawn permits for all demonstrations and all schools in the country have been shut.
Checkpoints have reportedly been erected around the capital, Manila, and soldiers have been sent to strengthen security around the presidential palace.
more at article
Emergency declared in Philippines
President Arroyo has survived attempted coups before
Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has declared a state of national emergency, after the army said it had prevented an attempted coup.
She said was taking the action "because of the clear threat to the nation".
A senior general has been arrested for allegedly planning to lead troops taking part in civilian protests.
In recent days, there have been growing rumours of a coup timed to coincide with Saturday's 20th anniversary of the ousting of President Ferdinand Marcos.
The BBC's Sarah Toms in Manila says coup rumours are common in the Philippines, which has seen a dozen attempts to overthrow the government in the past 20 years.
Two of Mrs Arroyo's predecessors, Marcos and Joseph Estrada, were ousted in public revolts.
'Clear and present danger'
Announcing the state of emergency, Mrs Arroyo said on Friday that she had authorised the military and police "to take ample measures".
Security in Manila has been tightened amid coup fears
"This is my warning to those who are attempting anything against the government," she added.
The conspiracy by "totalitarian forces of both the extreme left and extreme right" constituted "a clear and present danger to the safety and the integrity of the Philippine state and of the Filipino people," she said.
Emergency rule allows arrests without warrants and extended detention without charge.
Analysts say is a very sensitive issue in the Philippines, where martial law was in force for nine years under President Marcos.
Anti-Arroyo protesters had planned to stage a rally on Friday, but the police have withdrawn permits for all demonstrations and all schools in the country have been shut.
Checkpoints have reportedly been erected around the capital, Manila, and soldiers have been sent to strengthen security around the presidential palace.
more at article