Philippines Declares State of Rebellion

M A N I L A, Philippines, May 1 -- The government declared a state ofrebellion and ordered the arrest of key opposition figures todayafter clashes between police and backers of ousted President JosephEstrada killed at least four people.

"This is not just a demonstration. This is a rebellion,"government spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao said.

He said the declaration by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo,restricted to Manila, gives her greater power to halt rebellion buthe did not say what those powers are. It also gives the militarygreater freedom to help police quell protests.

At least four people died today as thousands of Estradasupporters, armed with rocks and clubs, skirmished with policearound the presidential palace.

Fighting subsided in the afternoonafter many protesters backed off, setting fire to a backhoe, fourvans, a police car and a fire truck in their path.

At least 12 policemen, a newspaper photographer and 25 civilianswere injured and 30 protesters were arrested, police said.

Arrests Ordered

Justice Secretary Hernando Perez ordered the arrest of at least11 key opposition figures today, including Sens. Gringo Honasanand Juan Ponce Enrile, former Estrada spokesman Ernesto Maceda andformer National Police Chief Panfilo Lacson.

Enrile, one of Estrada's most prominent allies, was the firstarrested but police were looking for the others, said Col. ReynaldoBerroya, the police intelligence chief.

Lacson, who is running in May 14 Senate elections, said he toldhis lawyers to question the arrest order.

Berroya said the arrests were ordered in connection with theprotests but did not outline the accusations.

Most of those on the wanted list have large followings among thepro-Estrada protesters.

Arroyo Survives Ordeal

Today also marked was the second time in as many days that Arroyosurvived an attempt to force her from office and reinstall Estrada.

She claimed he and his allies incensed supporters in an effort toseize power for their own benefit.