After a failed coup attempt on Thursday to trigger a revolt against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, 50 military officers, including a former vice president, were arrested on Friday with others being sought.

At the Peninsula Hotel, Manila, 101 people were arrested on Thursday, but only 50 remained in the custody of police. Among the detained was former Vice President Teofisto Guingona.

According to the Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Marius Corpuz, they faced charges of rebellion.

The rebel soldiers took over the luxurious hotel on Thursday asking for the resignation of Arroyo. Their attempt failed, as the troops marched in and the rebel soldiers had to surrender.

Avelino Razon, national police chief, said papers that "support the theory that this is a well-planned activity” were found at the hotel.

He added: “There are other components ... and we are pursuing the other groups that might try to continue to implement their plans.”

On Thursday night the capital and surrounding areas were under one-night curfew in order to pursue the rebel soldiers who escaped the hotel. Among them is one of the leaders, Capt. Nicanor Faeldon, the Associated Press reports.

On Friday, public holiday, a few thousands of anti-government protesters gathered in a rally in Manila, but they were blocked by police when they approached the presidential palace.

Regarding the rebellion on Thursday against her, Ms. Arroyo said: “What happened yesterday was not an act of heroes. It was plain defiance for the rule of law," Reuters quotes.

Ms. Arroyo assured that the government is stable. She decided to stick to her plans and go ahead with a previously scheduled trip to Spain and Britain on Saturday.

She said: “Again and again we have shown to the world the stability of the institutions of our democracy and the strength of this government. Wrong and misguided deeds of the few do not speak for the people or the army and police.”