Manilla, Philippines ? A challenge to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s leadership by disgruntled marine officers ended without violence Sunday.

The five-hour standoff by marines began when their commander was relieved of his duties in the wake of what the government said was a foiled coup plot.

Arroyo imposed a state of emergency Friday, saying the coup plot had failed but “treasonous” elements remained.

The freshest threat to her leadership began earlier Sunday when the head of the marines, Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda, was removed from his post. The marines have been widely rumored to have been among military units involved in the coup plot.

After the announcement of Miranda’s removal, marine Col. Ariel Querubin urged people to defy a ban on rallies and come to protect officers of the elite unit implicated in the foiled plot.

But the standoff ended peacefully after only a few thousand supporters heeded his call.