Philippines' Arroyo widens crackdown

Philippine President Ms Gloria Arroyo today widened a crackdown against political opponents.

Philippine President Ms Gloria Arroyo today widened a crackdown against political opponents.

She is accusing them of trying to take advantage of the kind of populist uprising that brought her to power.

Manila was calm the day after Ms Arroyo declared a state of rebellion in response to a violent attack on the presidential palace by supporters of her detained predecessor, Mr Joseph Estrada.

Four people were killed when thousands of the supporters attempted to storm the Malacanang palace yesterday.

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MsArroyo said she hoped to be able to lift the state of rebellion on May 7th, depending on how many of the opposition figures being sought are arrested.

Authorities have already issued orders to arrest opposition figures the government believes incited the attack and Ms Arroyo has told security forces to arrest anyone demonstrating against her government.

Groups of more than five people are barred from gathering near the presidential palace.

MrEstrada and his son, Jinggoy, were arrested last week.