HomeRadioTelevisionLocal ContactSearchHelp


Visit CBC Radio's frequency listings page to find the specific radio frequency for Radio One and Radio Two in your area.




Philippines on coup alert
Last Updated Sat, 26 Jul 2003 19:14:13

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Hours after the Philippines went on a coup alert, dozens of armed men took over a major commercial centre in Manila's financial district early Sunday, in what appeared to be part of a coup attempt, reported local journalists.

Men in camouflage uniforms were seen setting up explosives in the parking lot adjacent to the Intercontinental Hotel.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered her military on Saturday to hunt down 70 rogue junior army and navy officers suspected of planning to overthrow the government.

Arroyo ordered the arrest after learning the officers had deserted their posts and were carrying illegally purchased weapons.

The military's chief of staff, Gen. Narciso Abaya, said the men would be charged with mutiny and conspiracy to commit rebellion.

Rumours of a coup had circulated for the past week amid reports of restiveness among junior military officers upset about low pay and corruption among their superiors.

The speaker of the Senate said the officers' attempt "to destabilize the government" had been foiled, and that the government has the full support of the military. But as precautionary measure, security was heightened at the presidential palace, and armored personnel was posted at the gates.

The low number of mutineers was still of concern to Abaya who said, "We cannot be complacent about the smaller number because they can do some damage."

Abaya also pledged the military's "loyalty to the constitution and our democratic institutions and our solid support for our commander in chief."

Arroyo has faced coup rumours in the past over questions about her legitimacy as leader and graft in her government.

Written by CBC News Online staff

H e a d l i n e s : W o r l d

Terms of Use | Privacy | Copyright | Other Policies
Copyright © CBC 2003



AUDIO: Shirley Escalante reports for CBC Radio. (Runs 1:05)



 RealAudio



WRITE TO US:
Send your comments to mailto:letters@cbc.ca?subject=RE:Philippines on coup alert

JOIN THE DISCUSSION:
Share your thoughts on this and other news stories!

Email This Story
Printable Version