Fear in Philippines over Estrada unrest
Security forces have been placed on full alert
in the Philippines capital Manila as supporters
of deposed President Joseph Estrada continue
their protests.
Several hundred Estrada followers moved to the capital's financial centre, Makati, following calls from one of Mr Estrada's sons to "show the ruling classes that we Filipinos have the right to rule".
Mr. Estrada has been undergoing medical checks
The country's influential Roman Catholic cardinal, Jaime Sin, has urged people to rally behind current President Gloria Arroyo, making clear he opposes any attempt to overthrow her.
Presidential spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao said the army had received intelligence reports that criminal elements were preparing to destabilise the government.
Mr Estrada is in detention, accused of corruption, but tens of thousands of his supporters have been on the streets for thge past five days, demanding his return to power.
Rallying call
Mr Estrada's supporters have been gathering at a religious shrine on Manila's Edsa highway. Some threatened to attack the Malacanang presidential palace.
But Cardinal Sin urged Filipinos to rally behind Ms Arroyo.
"It is immoral to plot to grab power," he said.
On Saturday evening, Mr Estrada made a statement urging his followers to continue to protest but without resorting to violence.
"Wherever they may take me, even if I die, I ask you to continue defending the constitution and our democracy," he said.
Mr Estrada, who was arrested last week on corruption charges, is currently undergoing medical checks in a hospital.
The government is planning to transfer him to a maximum security detention centre south of Manila, away from the protesters.
Mall blast
Earlier on Sunday, an explosion at a shopping mall in the northern Manila suburb of Caloocan City injured over 30 people, five of them seriously.
According to reports, police say the explosion may have been caused by one or two grenades.
Local radio stations reported that the explosion was caused by robbers who targeted a jewellery stall and then fled from security guards.
More than 30 were injured in the blast
But Interior Secretary Jose Lina was quoted as
saying that officials were not discounting the
possibility of a terrorist attack.
-- Anonymous, April 29, 2001