Protesters storm govt office in Manila

The protesters climbed over the ministry's low metal fence and swept past helpless security guards, putting up banners that condemned Arroyo and demanded more benefits for fishermen and farmers.

Six of the protesters injured themselves, agriculture department staff said.

The protest came as Arroyo's supporters hit back in a bitter struggle over her political fate after the US-trained economist was alleged to have rigged last year's election.

Around 30,000 people took to the streets on Wednesday to demand the resignation of Arroyo, who could face impeachment in Congress over an audiotape in which she allegedly tells an election official to fix the poll result.

But Arroyo's supporters released overnight a tape of their own, on which her arch-rival and predecessor Joseph Estrada allegedly plots her overthrow.