Philippine President Gloria Arroyo on Friday lifted a state of emergency designed to thwart an alleged coup plot but which critics said was threatening freedom of expression and deterring investment.
"After one week, we can say that we have thwarted this conspiracy and it is time for us to return to the proper work of society," Arroyo said. "I have strong confidence that we have restored normalcy."
Arroyo ordered the state of emergency on February 24 citing a "tactical alliance" between right-wing and communist forces to overthrow the government and "create an unconstitutional regime".
The crackdown coincided with the 20th anniversary of the fall of dictator Ferdinand Marcos, and led opposition critics to compare Arroyo's tactics with those of the late dictator.
National police chief Arturo Lomibao said captured materials gave police clear evidence that leftists had linked up with rogue security force members but the evidence has not been made public.
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