Feb. 24 (Bloomberg) -- The Philippine military foiled a plan by some soldiers to join anti-government rallies today, Army Commanding General Hermogenes Esperon said in a phone interview.

``A plan for unauthorized movement was in the offing,'' Esperon said in an interview on Manila-based ABS-CBN radio. It was foiled by ``timely action and dialogue.'' In a phone interview, Army spokesman Bartolome Bacarro said he couldn't elaborate on Esperon's statements.

Esperon said the soldiers may have had plans for after the protests, without giving any details. Some military officers involved in the plans may be replaced during the day, he said.

Groups seeking to oust President Gloria Arroyo plan to hold a 30,000- to 40,000-strong demonstration in Manila today, their biggest since July, an organizer said yesterday. Opposition politicians and other groups have demanded Arroyo's resignation since June last year over allegations she cheated in the 2004 election, and other charges.

Manila Police Chief Vidal Querol will move to cancel rally permits, ABS-CBN radio said. Manila police spokesman Samuel Pagdilao, in a telephone interview, said he couldn't confirm that.

Manila schools up to the high-school level will be suspended today, Education Secretary Fe Hidalgo told ABS-CBN.

Esperon said on Feb. 22 the military has been holding 14 junior officers since January who were planning a coup that involved 200 soldiers.

Hotel Takeover

In 2003, 300 soldiers took over a hotel in Makati, Manila's financial district, and demanded Arroyo and key civilian and military officials resign. They stood down within a day. In December and January, five officers on trial for that action escaped. One was recaptured in January and another this week.

A group saying it is made up of active and retired members of the military earlier this week claimed responsibility for an explosion on the grounds of the president's Malacanang Palace. Malacanang officials said the explosion, which didn't cause any injuries or damage, may have been a construction-related accident, without ruling out the possibility it was intentional.

To contact the reporter on this story: Francisco Alcuaz Jr. in Manila at falcuaz@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: February 23, 2006 17:34 EST