President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared a state of national emergency last Feb 24, citing the “clear and present danger to the republic” posed by an alleged plot by military officers and civilian leaders to overthrow her administration.

President Arroyo issued Proclamation 1017 directing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to suppress any act of insurrection and rebellion.

She also ordered the arrest of military officers and civilian leaders involved in a plot to unseat her from the presidency.

Mrs. Arroyo issued the proclamation after consulting with the Cabinet following AFP chief General Generoso Senga’s report that he had taken custody of Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and relieved him of his command as chief of the Army’s Scout Rangers due to his alleged role in a military-civilian coup plot.

“I declare a state of emergency due to clear and present danger to the republic that we have discovered and prevented. There are those who defied and deviated from the Armed Forces chain of command, violated the authority of civilian government. And they have planned to establish a regime that is contrary to the Constitution,” the President said.

A network of militant Filipino-Canadian groups immediately condemned the proclamation of national emergency.

“Arroyo’s declaration gives her full power to suppress acts the President deems to be rebellious (including peaceful protests), suspend the writ of habeas corpus or conduct warrantless arrests, suspend civil liberties, and take over key national industries and utilities (including media),’’ said a joint statement issued by the following groups:

British Columbia Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines, Ontario Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines, Philippine Network for Justice and Peace – Toronto, Centre for Philippine Concerns – Montreal, and the Centre for Philippine Concerns -- Winnipeg

“We see this heinous declaration as a bid by Arroyo to cling on to political power as she faces popular calls for her resignation and growing discontent in the Philippine military over corruption in her administration,” the statement also said.

Philippine officials said rebel military officers were planning to call for President Arroyo’s ouster at rallies marking the 20th anniversary of the Feb. 25, 1986 People Power uprising.

Police clashed with protesters who defied the protest ban in several areas of Metro Manila.

“The government has crushed this illegal action,” the President said in a televised address, calling for calm as armed troops sealed off the presidential palace and military camps in the city.

“As commander in chief, I control the situation,” said Mrs. Arroyo.

President Arroyo said civilians were involved in the alleged plot and noted that the government would not overlook “those who have been providing support and money to this effort.”

Presidential chief of staff Michael Defensor said no curfew would be imposed but said the declaration bans rallies, allows arrest without warrant, permits the President to call in the military to intervene and lets her take over facilities—including media outlets—that affect national security.

US State Department spokeswoman Janelle Hironimus said Washington was monitoring the situation carefully. “We firmly support the rule of law and constitutional government,” she said. “Violence should be avoided.”