Scores of presidential security guards, clad in fatigue combat uniforms and armed with assault rifles, searched all vehicles passing through streets around Malacanang palace and turned away uninvited palace visitors, an AFP reporter on the scene said.

Two armored troop transports and three police cars were seen parked across the main gate of the compound, while police aboard motorcycles patrolled the streets outside.

Arroyo on Saturday ordered a manhunt for 10 junior officers who she said had deserted their posts in support of the plot, which she described as a "rebellion" in a statement she made over public radio.

Armed forces chief of staff General Narciso Abaya declared his and the military's full support for the Arroyo presidency and said his men were hunting down 10 junior officers and between 40 and 50 armed soldiers who have deserted their posts and illegally brought weapons with them.

WAR.WIRE