Philippines Lifts State of Emergency

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo lifted a week-old state of emergency today after her security advisors assured her that the threat of a coup had eased.

“I am happy to report that we have dismantled the sabotage efforts,” Arroyo said in a nationally televised address. “I strongly believe that law and order has returned.”

Arroyo declared the emergency last Friday to quash a coup plot allegedly involving disgruntled soldiers, communist rebels and civilian backers.

The defense, justice and police chiefs said Thursday that they would recommend lifting the decree.

Minutes before Arroyo’s announcement, two blasts rocked the Philippine capital near the offices of an elite police team.

The cause was not immediately known, and there were no immediate reports of casualties.

“It is important for our political opponents and the opportunists to stop this nuisance to our economy and embarrassment to the Philippines caused by these useless charades,” Arroyo said.

Authorities have filed criminal charges against at least 51 opposition members, military personnel and others for trying to overthrow the president. Those charged include five left-wing lawmakers who sought refuge at the House of Representatives and refused to be interviewed by police.

Opposition and civic activists have warned that political freedoms are being eroded.

Civil libertarians, lawyers, businessmen and media groups have expressed concern over a string of warrantless arrests, a ban on rallies and a raid on a newspaper critical of Arroyo.