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Troop movements stir up Manila
Reports of unauthorized troop movements less than a week after a failed coup by 300 soldiers had the Philippine capital on edge yesterday. Radio and TV newscasts said troops in southern and northern Luzon, the main island in the Philippine archipelago, were on the move in a potential attempt to rekindle an uprising that ended Sunday without bloodshed. Although military officials denied the reports, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo refused to lift the "state of rebellion" she ordered Sunday, saying it was necessary because "enemies of the state" are still on the loose. In Senate hearings yesterday, National Security Adviser Roilo Golez said last weekend's coup attempt by 70 junior officers and nearly 250 enlisted men was a well-funded effort that likely had support from more senior officers and even some politicians. "There is support from outside," Mr. Golez said. "We doubt very much if the young officers were capable of generating [so much] money from their own pockets."
| Wonder if we'll ever find out where the money comes from? |
Ramon Cardenas, a member of the Cabinet of former President Joseph Estrada, was arrested earlier this week in connection with the coup. And the government is considering charges against Sen. Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan. Both Mr. Estrada, in jail and on trial for charges of economic plunder, and Mr. Honasan have denied any role in last weekend's drama.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt 2003-08-02 |
