MANILA, Feb. 24 (Xinhuanet) -- Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Friday said police and military leaders will arrest military officers and civilians suspected of supporting a coup attempt against her administration.

    The president made a statement after declaring a state of emergency Friday, hours after disgruntled soldiers launched a coup attempt.

Armoured vehicles with Philippine army arrive at the Philippine military headquarters in Camp Aguinnaldo, Feb. 24 to bolster security. (AFP)

    In a televised speech, Arroyo said the government will arrest military officers and civilians linked to the coup attempt.

    "There are some who have tried to remove themselves from the Armed Forces chain of command, disobey the civil government and put up their own regime against the constitution," the President said.

    "We have stopped these attempts, and part of our moves is to arrest military and civilian plotters. We will not let pass those who give financial and political support to the uprising," she added.

    The president said she will leave it to the Armed Forces and Philippine National Police leadership to make the arrests.

    Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor earlier said authorities are looking for 8 to 10 military officers and civilians involved in the latest power grab.

    He identified one of the plotters as Army Brigadier Gen. Danny Lim, commander of the elite First Scout Ranger Regiment, who was relieved of his post Friday morning.

    Director General Arturo Lomibao, the police chief, said he also ordered the relief of Chief Superintendent Marcelino Franco of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force.

    He added that nation's police force remains committed to the chain of command.

    Armed Forces chief of staff Senga earlier said Lim called him up late Thursday to ask him to withdraw support for the president. Senga said Lim was arrested and is now under his personal custody.     

    He said Lim was among "misguided elements who are planning to join a march," scheduled by the opposition later Friday that would call for the resignation of Arroyo.

    Documents gathered by military intelligence officers showed that the plotters held a series of meetings for the last three years to discuss a coup attempt against Arroyo, Senga said.

    Fresh rumors of an impending military uprising have spread since the escape from an army camp last month of four alleged leaders of the so-called Oakwood mutiny in July 2003.

    The plot included seizing military camps and removing Arroyo as president, according to the military. Enditem