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Fernando Poe Jr died without admitting defeat in the
poll |
Thousands of mourners poured onto the streets of the Philippines
capital for the funeral of film star-turned-presidential contender
Fernando Poe Jr.
The size of the crowds drawn to the funeral cortege in Manila prompted
the authorities to boost security and warn of possible anti-government
riots.
Philippines President Gloria Arroyo urged the army to remain loyal to
her.
Poe, 65, who believed he was cheated of a poll win after coming within
3% of Ms Arroyo, died of a stroke a week ago.
Justice secretary Raul Gonzales said the government
was "deeply concerned" by intelligence suggesting certain groups were
aiming to use the funeral to incite
an anti-government uprising.
"We shall not allow riots or seditious acts to rule the streets," he
said in a statement.
More than 1,000 police officers were drafted in to watch
for signs of trouble.
Fans, friends and relatives started lining the streets before dawn to
join the funeral cortege, many wearing election campaign t-shirts and
carrying posters of Poe.
The horse-drawn carriage bearing his coffin began its journey to Manila
North Cemetery at about 0500 local time (2100 GMT on Tuesday).
Kites and balloons flew around the Poe family tomb, while thousands of
supporters packed the cemetery.
Many among the three million mourners who went to pay their last
tribute to the actor last week at a Roman Catholic church in the outskirts
of Manila accused the government of electoral fraud.
Some Poe supporters burned a wreath sent by Ms Arroyo.
At the Malacanang presidential palace, less than one mile away from the
route of the procession, staff and visitors were advised that security
checks and inspections would be tightened on Wednesday.
(Agencies) | 
Updated: 2004-12-22 09:04