Philippine troops and police were on full alert for a protest rally against President Arroyo because of fears of attacks by Islamic militants or communist rebels, officials said on Thursday.
Organizers dismissed the threats as an attempt by security officials to scare people away from attending Friday's rally. They expect tens of thousands to join the protest in the Makati business district and demand Arroyo's ouster over a kickbacks scandal.
"We expect our forces to number 5,000," Manila police chief Geary Barias told local radio, adding that reinforcements were being brought in from neighboring provinces. He said police would be on full alert in the city from Thursday evening.
Maj. Gen. Fernando Mesa, the military commander for the Metro Manila region, told another radio station that troops and armored vehicles would be kept on standby at a military camp in the capital to reinforce police if needed.
He said the military was reacting to threats purportedly from the Abu Sayyaf group of militants and also from the communist New People's Army.
"We must all be wary of the unseen hands who may be using the current situation to foment hatred, distrust and chaos," said Lorelei Fajardo, a presidential palace spokeswoman.
"While we all enjoy the blessings of democracy, we must all protect the same from scheming groups or individuals who are bent on destroying our democratic way of life."
Mrs. Arroyo, who has been in power since 2001, is battling allegations of kickbacks in a $329 million telecommunications deal with China's ZTE Corp. She and her husband have been named in an ongoing Senate inquiry into the deal but no one has offered any evidence linking them to kickbacks.
Political analysts however say she does not appear to be in any danger yet. She commands a huge majority in the House of Representatives and has the support of the military.
The powerful Catholic church declined earlier this week to join calls for her resignation.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storyPage.aspx?storyId=110666
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