The Philippine justice secretary said he has barred a Time magazine reporter in Manila from leaving the country in a bid to compel her to shed light on an alleged coup plot against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Nelly Sindayen was the author of a Time article on a Feb. 23 meeting among several opposition figures allegedly involved in a plot to oust Arroyo.

"She won't be arrested, but she must cooperate," Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales said late Thursday.

"We just want to talk to her."

Gonzales said Sindayen's testimony would help the National Bureau of Investigation to complete its probe into the Feb. 24 foiled coup attempt, which the government said included disgruntled troops, communist rebels and civilian backers.

"We want to know why they (were) in that meeting," Gonzales said.

"We will file charges against these individuals if I find that there is probable cause."

Sindayen, a Philippine national, could not immediately be reached for comment, but earlier told colleagues that she was standing by her story.