Two policemen and a protester died during a night of violence in central Manila when thousands of supporters of deposed President Joseph Estrada tried to break down the gates of the presidential palace. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, emerging from a night of meetings in the besieged palace, accused unidentified political opponents of trying to oust her. It is clear that their goal is to bring down the legitimate government,'' she said on national television. As police and soldiers dispersed Estrada's supporters, government and military officials said a state of rebellion was being declared and there were plans to arrest at least four senior opposition figures. Declaration of a state of rebellion allows authorities to arrest suspects without a warrant and is the first of three steps a president can take to maintain law and order.
Subsequent steps are the suspension of habeas corpus rights and martial law.
Interior Secretary Jose Lina said earlier the government was reviewing speeches made by opposition politicians to Estrada's supporters after his arrest on corruption charges last week. Philippines Customs Commissioner Andrea Domingo told reporters an order had been issued by the Justice Department preventing at least nine opposition figures, including the four identified by Zuno, from leaving the country. Calm A Manila radio station reported early on Tuesday afternoon that a small group of Estrada supporters were on the streets but many more Arroyo supporters were gathering for a Labor Day show of support. During the night, Estrada's son Jinggoy said by telephone his father was appealing to his supporters, who were demanding Arroyo step down, to remain calm. Arroyo said two police had been killed and shops and homes had been looted.