Government blames opposition for Phillipines bomb plot

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Philippine President Gloria Arroyo. A senior intelligence official says the opposition enlisted rebels to carry out a plot to destabilise her government. [AFP]

Shirley Escalante, Manila

Last Updated: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 17:55:00 +1000

Police in the Philippines capital of Manila were placed on heightened alert following a bomb attack in a government office, and the discovery of bombs in two other areas this week.

Philippine security and intelligence officials say rightist rebels are responsible.

A senior intelligence official says opposition leaders tapped rebels to carry out the attempt because few in the military supported the alleged plan to destabilise the government of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The official says rightist rebels could not have acted on their own because of the financial support and guidance required to make it happen.

The opposition has dismissed the allegation, saying the government is making up the scenario to justify measures it is taking against its critics.