Protests greet Bush in Philippines

More than a thousand people have taken part in a protest against George Bush's visit to the Philippines.

Waving placards saying "Ban Bush" and "Bush No 1 terrorist", they marched from the University of Philippines campus in Quezon City for the House of Representatives building.

Mr Bush will address a joint session of Congress as part of an eight-hour visit to the Philippines.

Thousands of riot and traffic police kept protesters away from the area by blocking off roads and re-routing traffic to allow the president's motorcade through.

At Ninoy Acquino International Airport, authorities suspended or delayed several flights as part of stringent security measures.

Security was also tight at Manila train stations, where anti-terror police squads with bomb-sniffing dogs kept watch. In December 2000, 22 people were killed in a series of bomb attacks by suspected Muslim militants.

In her weekly radio address, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo criticised recent advisories against travel to Manila and parts of the Philippines by Canada, Britain, Australia and New Zealand.

The warning claimed the country faced an increased risk of terrorist attacks because of Mr Bush's visit.

Ms Arroyo said: "It's unfortunate that this somewhat dampened the spirit of the Bush state visit. Security preparations for the visit are very tight and there should be no reason for undue alarm."