While government was relying mainly on the police and local officials to "prevent possible terrorist attacks," Arroyo said she was open to idea of tapping the Marines if needed.

"Because of the bombing in Jakarta, we have raised our alert level. The use of Marines for law enforcement would be a last resort in the event there is a need for greater deterrence and visibility of law enforcers in the Metropolitan area," the president said.

"We have done this in the past and it contributed much to the sense of security of our people."

Security forces across the country have been placed on alert after a failed coup attempt against Arroyo last month and the escape of convicted Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) bomber Fathur Rohman al-Ghozi from a Manila jail.

Al-Ghozi was serving a 17-year sentence for explosives possession when he and two Filipino militants from the Abu Sayyaf group walked out of jail inside the police headquarters in Manila.

His escape embarassed the government and triggered a security alert across the region, with officials warning al-Ghozi was capable of carrying out deadly bombings.

Last week's bombing of the JW Marriott hotel in Jakarta's business district has left 11 people dead and was blamed on the JI, as were the October 2002 attacks in Bali, Indonesia, that left 202 dead.

Arroyo on Tuesday said troops were engaged in "highly focused" manhunt operations for al-Ghozi in southern Mindanao island.

"The hunt for al-Ghozi will continue without letup. This is vital to the cause of fighting transnational terrorism," the president said, adding that local groups aiding the JI bomber "must be neutralized at all costs."

WAR.WIRE