MANILA, Dec 7 (Reuters) - Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered security forces to remain on alert on Friday following a botched coup last week.

Arroyo, who is in London on a state visit, also ordered army and police forces to step up efforts to arrest more than a dozen rogue soldiers who took part in the takeover of a five-star hotel on Nov. 29 and prevent a repeat of the rebellion.

"We must remain vigilant against groups exploiting grievances to grab power for their own selfish ambitions," she told top security officials in a video conference call.

Arroyo said she convened a cabinet meeting to review security measures and make sure the country would not be disturbed during the Christmas holidays.

Director-General Avelino Razon, national police chief, told Arroyo that operations were continuing to arrest 20 people, including seven ex-soldiers, who took part in the botched coup.

Arroyo returns to the country on Sunday after a stop in Kuwait. (Reporting by Manny Mogato; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Alex Richardson)

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