MANILA, March 4 (Xinhuanet) -- The Philippine government said on Saturday it would not put its guard down despite the lifting of the state of national emergency as the threats of coup and destabilization attempts are still existing.

    "The threats remain so continuous vigilance is in order," presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye said in a statement, noting "The arrests and prosecution of those believed to have violated the law... must be done by our concerned government agencies because it is important that we uphold the rule of law."

    Bunye said investigations were going on and the crackdown would be focused on the coup plotters, destabilizers and their financiers from various sectors of society.

    "There are laws that we are implementing against sedition, inciting to sedition, inciting to rebellion. These must be followed," he said.

    The government have filed sedition or rebellion charges against some 50 people, including individuals from the opposition, media, House of Representatives, military, police and business sector. Two left-wing lawmakers and a military officer have been arrested over sedition charges and charged before the Department of Justiceand the courts. Enditem