The Philippines is on high alert for terror attacks ahead of Monday’s election after security forces arrested several suspected Muslim militants, seized explosives and uncovered a cell linked to al Qaeda. National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales warned of a “ruthless scheme” by the opposition for protests, bombings or even an attempted power grab if film star Fernando Poe Jr loses to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Poe’s camp issued a statement criticising Gonzales for making “provocative and alarming” comments. About 43 million voters will flock to polling stations at schools and town halls on May 10 to elect a president and more than 17,000 national, provincial and local officials. The government, which has marshalled thousands of police and army reinforcements into Manila, said on Thursday the anti-terror task force uncovered a cell of the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) group of regional militants linked to Osama bin Laden’s al Qaeda network. Full Story
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