State of Emergency Lifted in Philippines
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo lifted a week-old state of emergency on Friday, after her security advisers assured her that the threat of a coup has eased. Shortly before Arroyo made the annnouncement in a nationally televised address, two explosions hit near a police station and a shopping complex in a Manila suburb, but police said no one was hurt. “I am happy to report that we have dismantled the sabotage efforts,” Arroyo said. “I strongly believe that law and order has returned.” Full Story