MANILA, Philippines — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo took the lead early, according to unofficial election returns Tuesday, but her movie star opponent charged that widespread irregularities had cast doubts on the vote.

Actor Fernando Poe Jr. outlined a list of alleged problems in Monday's polling, including men in military uniforms opening boxes to burn ballots, vote-buying, harassment of voters and switching of ballots.

Arroyo praised what she called relatively orderly balloting but urged Filipinos to remain "vigilant until the last vote is counted."

The military warned against violence or mass protests and said it would use "necessary force" to maintain order.

Asked about polls showing her ahead, Arroyo did not directly answer. But she appeared confident and said "the important thing now is we must leave behind the rancour that unfortunately characterized the campaign."

Poe later said his supporters should head to precincts and "tightly guard the counting."

"This government should not use money and intimidation against the people," Poe told reporters, without taking questions.

The election season left at least 114 people dead since December and highlighted the deep divisions between the poor Filipino majority -- many of them backing the popular Poe -- and a wealthy elite that sided with Arroyo. The daughter of a president, Arroyo studied at America's Georgetown University with former U.S. president Bill Clinton.

It was not yet known how many of the 43 million eligible voters cast ballots.