An attempt was made to assassinate Mrs. Imelda Marcos, wife of the Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, at an award presentation ceremony on Thursday (7 December).

During a few moments of horror before live television cameras, an unknown assailant lunged at her with a razor-sharp machete and tried to stab her to death.

He was shot dead by security guards.

Thousands of Filipinos were watching the first lady hand out the awards to civic leaders who had taken part in a campaign to beautify cities and towns throughout the country.

Suddenly a man in a dark suit stepped on to the platform and lunged at Mrs. Marcos's stomach with the knife. The 42-year-old former beauty queen warded off the blows with her hands and then kicked at her assailant.

She was rushed to hospital by helicopter with wounds of her right and left arms, but she was reported to be recovering, despite loss of blood.

Security agents have begun inquiries into the identity of the assailant.