MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine authorities said Tuesday that they arrested three men linked to a group that was planning to set off firebombs at Manila’s international airport and a major mall in the city to protest the government’s alleged “soft” stance in its territorial dispute with China. The military, however, downplayed the planned attacks, saying the men were just seeking attention.

The leader of the group and two other men were arrested Monday with four homemade incendiary devices found inside their car at one of the airport’s parking lots, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said.