Manila raises alert due to threats against Arroyo

MANILA, July 18 (Reuters) Philippine security forces today raised the alert level in Manila over an alleged plot by some rogue troops and communist rebels to topple President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

The military, police and government of the Southeast Asian country often warn of security threats before major events such as the annual state of the nation address that Arroyo is due to deliver before Congress on Monday.

Three prominent businessmen, linked to a failed plan to seize power in February, were summoned for questioning this week by the National Bureau of Investigation on suspicion they funded the moves against Arroyo.

''We're on heightened alert,'' said Agrimeo Cruz, spokesman for the capital's police force, adding it was part of preparations to ensure nothing would disrupt Arroyo's speech.

''We have seen documents and evidence indicating threats from ultra-rightist groups. They have joined forces with the left.'' The Philippines is no stranger to unrest and rumours of plots after more than a dozen coup attempts in the last 20 years and popular revolts that ousted presidents in 1986 and 2001 with the backing of generals and powerful Roman Catholic bishops.

An alleged conspiracy by rogue troops, communist rebels and political foes was the rationale Arroyo used to declare a brief state of emergency in February after she survived an impeachment attempt last year over allegations of vote-rigging and graft.

Vidal Querol, Metropolitan Manila's police chief, said check points had been set up around the capital to guard critical sites such as petrol depots, power, water and communications facilities and bus and train stations.

Querol said about 13,000 police officers and 1,000 soldiers would be fielded around the Congress building, the presidential palace and several army and police camps.

Some security officials claimed the threats had been reduced by the arrest of six fugitive young officers this month in a raid near the Congress building. But Querol said he did not want police to be caught flat-footed if something happened.

Police said they were expecting rogue soldiers and Maoist-led New People's Army rebels to take action after the government moved against some politicians, diplomats, soldiers, business leaders, bishops and priests.

REUTERS SHB PM1510