Two policemen and a protester died during a night of violence in central Manila when supporters of deposed President Joseph Estrada tried to break down the gates of Malacanang presidential palace. But calm had generally returned by late Tuesday evening with only small groups of Estrada supporters still on the streets. The 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.
Arroyo told CNN she did not think it would be necessary to declare martial law, but would not say when the state of rebellion would be lifted. The current Philippine political crisis was triggered earlier this year when Estrada was swept from office in a ''people power'' revolt fuelled by popular disgust with a senate decision not to allow key prosecution evidence in his impeachment trial for corruption. Tuesday the government moved swiftly against those accused of inciting Estrada's supporters to storm the palace, ordering arrest warrants for four key politicians including former defense secretary Juan Ponce Enrile. Police said 103 protesters had been arrested and 36 policemen were hurt during the overnight violence. But a defiant Arroyo said she had not been worried and was firmly in control.