Anti-Arroyo protesters storm Philippine ministry

Hundreds of protesters opposed to Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo stormed a government department in the capital…

Hundreds of protesters opposed to Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo stormed a government department in the capital this morning.

Police said an official talked to the protesters and set a formal meeting for a later date. Police then escorted dozens of protesters from left-wing farmers' groups from the main building of the Department of Agriculture in Manila.

Security guards said about 300 people pushed through the gates of the compound in a northern suburb, unfurling banners saying "Ensure the welfare of rural workers."

Witnesses said the protesters broke windows, attacked guards with sticks and chanted "End the Gloria regime."

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A collection of rural groups said in a statement they went to the agriculture department to criticise policies that were hurting Filipino farmers with cheaper imports and demand Ms Arroyo make good on promises of jobs, loans and land development.

About 30,000 protesters had gathered peacefully in Manila on Wednesday, calling for Ms Arroyo to step down over allegations of election fraud and graft involving her family.

The president has refused to resign and has been rebuilding her cabinet and base of allies after resignations and defections last week.