Earlier in the month, a spate of bombings struck the southern Philippines, killing 12 people and wounding 100 people. The attacks were blamed on Muslim separatist rebels.

Philippine security forces went on highest alert Sunday ahead of Arroyo's ninth and supposedly last state of the nation address Monday.

Various groups are planning to hold massive street demonstrations to denounce Arroyo's poor performance since 2001 and to remind her that she has to step down next year.

General Victor Ibrado, armed forces chief of staff, urged rallyists to help ensure safe and peaceful demonstrations.

'Our appeal is for them to just conduct their rallies peacefully as they say they would so we will not have a problem,' he said.

Ibrado said troops have been instructed to exercise maximum tolerance in dealing with the demonstrators, but stressed that they were allowed to take action if needed for their protection.