Two policemen and a protester died during a night of rioting in central Manila when tens of thousands of supporters of deposed President Joseph Estrada tried to break down the palace gates. As calm returned on Tuesday, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared a state of rebellion within the capital and police began questioning politicians on suspicion of inciting the protests. Justice Secretary Hernando Perez ordered the arrest of at least 11 key opposition figures Tuesday. Some lawyers were quick to question the legitimacy of the action. 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.