Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado told Reuters the residents were being interrogated but did not give the exact number of people arrested. The bombings heightened tension in a country racked by political turmoil since late last year after President Joseph Estrada was accused of taking hefty bribes from illegal gambling syndicates. Estrada is being tried on corruption and bribery charges by a Senate impeachment court and could be removed from office if found guilty. More than 120 people were wounded in the five bomb explosions in a crowded elevated train, a bus terminal, a warehouse at the Manila international airport, a park near the United States embassy and outside a luxury hotel. Images of horribly wounded amputees and burn victims are rallying ordinary Filipinos who, amid warnings of new violence, are pitching in to ease the suffering of some of the victims.
Doctors say scores of private citizens have offered cash, toys, food and other gifts.
Many have even offered to adopt Emmanuel, said John Lim, the boy's surgeon. Alaine Pascua, of the People's Movement Against Poverty, said his organization has received many offers to help the victims. Most of them ask about Emmanuel. The horrific images are also fueling a nationwide crossfire of anger and blame hitting virtually every group with money, political power or weapons. Nobody has claimed the attacks which came as the nation celebrated a New Year's holiday already dampened by the tension of President Joseph Estrada's impeachment trial on corruption charges.