Philippines synagogues on alert

Manila: Security at the Israeli Embassy in Makati City and synagogues were beef-ed up as two dozen Filipino-Muslim protesters burned an Israeli flag during a rally yesterday.

"We are calling for a ceasefire and the unconditional withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon," said Tom del Monte, a leader of the protest rally. The protest ended peacefully.

The protesters hail from Mindanao, southern Philippines, turf of an estimated five million Muslims.

Metro Manila police chief director Vidal Querol said police are on alert about terrorist attacks on the Israeli Embassy and synagogues.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, engaged in peace talks with the Philippines government, also called for a ceasefire in Lebanon.