Source:
Houston Chronicle/Associated Press Feb. 15, 2008, 4:19AM
Filipino protesters call for president's ouster
By OLIVER TEVES
Associated Press
MANILA, Philippines — Thousands of protesters demanding the resignation of the Philippine president marched through Manila today, undeterred by heavy security after officials revealed an alleged plot to assassinate her by al-Qaida-linked militants.
An estimated 10,000 people, including left-wing and Roman Catholic Church-backed groups, carried streamers reading "Gloria resign!" at a rally in Makati, the capital's financial district. The rally was triggered by corruption allegations linking top officials and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's husband in a brewing kickback scandal.
"These are telling signs that the people are again roused and are ready to take political action," said Renato Reyes, secretary general of the left-wing Bayan, one of the organizers.
The protest, which blocked a major thoroughfare, came a day after the military said intelligence reports indicated communist rebels may infiltrate the rally.
The military went on high alert after officials revealed an alleged plot by the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group and its Indonesia-based ally, Jemaah Islamiyah, to assassinate Arroyo and attack embassies.
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