Foreign allies back Arroyo, denounce coup attempt

US State Department spokeswoman Joanne Moore said in Washington that "no one should be under any doubt that we fully support the legitimate civilian government" of Arroyo, who has given the mutineers an ultimatum to surrender.

"At this time we have no reason to believe that there is a real threat to the Arroyo government," Moore said. "But let there be no mistake that a military coup would have immediate negative consequences, including consequences on the bilateral relationship."

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Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, who was in Singapore for a bilateral visit when Filipino rebel soldiers seized an apartment tower in Manila where Australian ambassador Ruth Pearce was temporarily staying, denounced what he called a coup attempt by "dissident rebel army officers."

The ambassador and other foreigners emerged unharmed early Sunday from the Oakwood Tower apartments, part of a commercial center occupied and rigged with bombs by rebel soldiers in anticipation of a government counter-attack.

Asked by journalists if she ever felt threatened, Pearce said "no." She was temporarily staying at the apartment while her official residence was under renovation.