Armed woman stopped at Philippine palace gate wanted to see Aquino, security officials say

MANILA, Philippines – Security officials say a woman armed with a pistol tried to enter the Philippine presidential palace and was demanding to see President Benigno Aquino III.

Commodore Raul Ubando, head of the presidential guards, said the woman was immediately disarmed Friday and turned over to Manila police for investigation.

Sprawling Malacanang palace has several entrances, and the woman was stopped at a gate far from Aquino's office and living quarters.

The woman told reporters she had no intention of hurting anybody but wants Aquino to step down because Filipinos were getting poorer under his administration.

Ubando says no one was hurt and the Manila Police District would decide whether to file charges based on its investigation.

Police say the woman will be examined to determine if she has any psychological disorder.