Arroyo appeared on national television to declare the stand-off over, hailing the outcome of the Southeast Asian nation's eighth military uprising in 17 years as a "triumph for democracy."

Rebel troops had seized the Ayala Center in Manila's bustling Makati financial district in the early hours of Sunday, accusing Arroyo and Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes of corruption and demanding their resignations.

Pro-government soldiers backed by armored cars encircled the complex as two separate deadlines ordering the rebels to surrender or face a military assault expired.

After lengthy talks with government negotiatiors, the rebel soldiers ended the siege around 10 pm (1400 GMT) and agreed to return to barracks to face military justice, officials said.

"The crisis in Makati is over," a smiling Arroyo said in her broadcast. "(The) 296 soldiers, including 70 officers, are standing down and returning to barracks.

"They will be investigated and their cases will be disposed of in accordance with the articles of war," she said.

"They have not asked for and they shall not be given special treatment."

Arroyo thanked the leaders of Congress, the church, the people and the international community for supporting her government.

"I assure the world that this event does not in any way injure our national security and poltical stability... Once more, this has been a triumph for democracy," Arroyo said.

Officials said the officers who led the rebellion would face military justice.

The soldiers involved are "answerable to the articles of war," which govern the conduct of men in uniform, retired former military chief Roy Cimatu told reporters as he announced the results of several hours of talks.

Armed forces chief of staff General Narciso Abaya said the rebels were now "being bussed" toward the Fort Bonifacio army headquarters in southern Manila.

"That's where they're going to stay overnight, then tomorrow they will go back to their barracks," Abaya said.

The rebels had seized the center early Sunday and wired the complex with explosives after Arroyo publicly accused them of plotting a coup on Saturday.

The rebels, sporting red arm bands and led by young officers, accused Arroyo of corruption and staging terrorist attacks in the south to gain US military aid.

Arroyo, who came to power in a military-led popular uprising in 2001 and received full support from military chief Abaya, had warned the rebels they would face an all-out military assault.

Around 300 foreigners and residents trapped in the complex, including Australian ambassador Ruth Pearce, had earlier been allowed to leave.

Western and Asian governments rallied behind Arroyo, with the United States and Australia leading support for the Philippines leader, seen as a key partner in the war against terror.

The rebels had denied the group was trying to stage a coup, and claimed to have some 2,000 military supporters.

Military intelligence chief Brigadier General Victor Corpus said "big time" personalities were behind the coup, while police raided a house owned by jailed former president Joseph Estrada where they alleged they found ammunition.

Rumors that a military clique was plotting to overthrow the government gripped Manila last week but Arroyo dismissed them when she met with a group of junior officers unhappy over pay and corruption.

The mutineers Sunday accused the government of selling ammunition and weapons to Muslim separatist and communist rebels.

The group also accused Arroyo of planning to declare martial law in August, by using bombings in the capital as a pretext to stay in power after her term ends following May 2004 elections. She has promised not to contest the polls.

WAR.WIRE