Manila cancels rallies due to threats

PHILLIPINES: Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has cancelled political meetings this week in the troubled southern…

PHILLIPINES: Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has cancelled political meetings this week in the troubled southern island of Mindanao because of threats by Muslim militants, a campaign spokesman said yesterday.

Ms Arroyo, ahead by a comfortable 10 points in opinion polls before next Monday's elections, had planned a three-day boat trip from Davao city in Mindanao to Batangas port, south of the capital Manila, to promote her "nautical highway" programme.

"We cancelled it for security reasons," said Mr Mike Defensor, a campaign spokesman. "It is a security concern relayed to us and, given the situation, we are abiding by security guidelines." Ms Arroyo also cancelled a political rally last night outside the capital and an appearance at the end of an annual marathon cycling competition.

Citing intelligence reports from an inter-agency counter-terrorism task force, Mr Defensor said Muslim militants might bomb rallies that Ms Arroyo might attend in Mindanao, including a ferry she might take from Davao city tomorrow.

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He said members of the National Security Council were meeting last night to provide an update on possible threats on President Arroyo's personal safety. Mr Defensor declined to provide more details about the threats, which he described as "very serious." - (Reuters)