Estrada was removed from office in January amid allegations of widespread graft and corruption. He has maintained his innocence, but he and his son, Jinggoy, were arrested last week on corruption charges. Estrada was moved to a prison outside Manila as Tuesday's violent march began. Under the state of rebellion, Justice Secretary Hernando Perez ordered the arrest of at least 11 key opposition figures Tuesday. 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.
We must not give this regime any reason to further trample on our rights of assembly by using excessive force. We must not also give this regime an excuse to declare martial law to ensure its continued stay in power and to further inflict harm on its own people. Enrile, an Estrada ally and prominent politician, surrendered at his home and was taken to police headquarters for questioning. Police said 103 protesters had been arrested and 36 policemen were hurt during the overnight violence. I'm in control.