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Warning: Philippines

Philippines May 01, 2001

State Of Rebellion Issued Following Riots

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared a state of rebellion in Metro Manila following a violent storming of the Presidential Palace. A spokesman for the president stated that she was forced into the decision because the "protestors got out of control." There are reports of four dead, including two police officers. One of the police officers was killed after being hit by a shotgun. Authorities said at least 20 demonstrators were arrested. Officials estimated the pro-Estrada crowd that reached the vicinity of Gate 7 of Malacanang at between 5,000 and 8,000. The incident occurred this morning in the Philippines when thousands of Estrada supporters clashed with military soldiers and policemen on their way marching to the Presidential Palace from the Edsa Shine, about 15 kilometers away from the palace. Riot police and Presidential Security Group members fired volleys of warning shots into the air to hold them back when they breached a barricade just outside a gate of the Presidential Palace. Estrada supporters have been staging rallies at the Edsa Shrine since Estrada's arrest last Wednesday, demanding Arroyo's resignation. Estrada was arrested last Wednesday on economic plunder charges, non-bailable offense punishable by death. He was accused of illegally amassing 4.1 billion pesos (82 million U.S. dollars) during his 31 months in office before he was ousted by a military-backed People Power revolt on January 20.

According to a report from the police, an arrest warrant was issued for former National Police Chief Panfilo Lacson for allegedly inciting the rebellion. The report also indicated that similar warrants were issued for the arrest of Senators Juan Enrile and Gregorio Honasan, former ambassador to the United States Ernesto Maceda, military official Brig. Gen. Marcelino Malajacan, and other known supporters of ousted president Estrada. The government has also issued a hold departure order against Estrada's allies.

SOS Comment

According to government sources, the State of Rebellion will only last until the situation normalizes. At this time in Manila, the situation is reported as calm, but tense. Police officers and military soldiers remain on high alert throughout Manila. Security forces are in control and will not hesitate to contain any further crowd violence.

Foreigners are not threatened and SOS members should avoid this part of Manila until the protest dissipates over time.

SOS Security will monitor this situation and provide updates when available. Questions on the situation should be directed to the SOS Alarm Center in Jakarta telephone number: 6221 750 6001 and ask to speak to a security specialist.