CNN: Armed men seize downtown Manila

[UrbScotty]

Looks like a scary situation.

http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/07/26/arroyo.officers/index.html

[Rose Siding]

1. Rumors of a coup for a week???

and we hear nothing. -Not unless one of the rumors is that Saddam is there wearing Laci Peterson's blue dress. We have troops in the Phillipines, don't we?

[IndianaGreen]

2. Looks like a coup is in progress! (two related stories from Manila)

Macapagal exposes military coup plot, orders hunt
Posted: 3:50 AM (Manila Time) | Jul. 27, 2003
INQ7.net with GMA 7 and Agence France-Presse

Palace under heavy guard

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo exposed a military plot to overthrow her government and ordered a hunt for up to 60 officers and men involved in the revolt.

The President, who came to power in a military-led popular uprising in January 2001, said on national television that her government was in "full control" of the situation but appealed to the people to be vigilant.

Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Narciso Abaya declared his "full support" for Ms Macapgal and ordered the arrest of 10 junior officers who he said plotted against her government with backing from "between 40-50" fully armed men.

He said the men, the highest ranking of whom are captains, "can do a lot of damage."

http://www.inq7.net/nat/2003/jul/27/nat_1-1.htm

Soldiers installing bombs in Makati shopping center
Posted: 3:57 AM (Manila Time) | Jul. 27, 2003
INQ7.net with GMA 7

ABOUT 20 to 30 soldiers wearing red armbands and in full battle gear were installing what appeared to be bombs at the Ayala Center shopping mall in the Makati business district, GMA Network radio and television reported.

The report quoted mall guards as saying they were disarmed by the soldiers who were also reported to be diverting traffic from the area near which lies between the Intercontinental Hotel and the Oakwood building which houses serviced apartments.

The soldiers refused to identify themselves or their commander to the dzBB reporter on the scene.

Photographers and cameramen were also warned not to take footage or use flash photography. "Pasensyahan na (tought luck)" should the bombs explode, one soldier told DZBB

Makati police confirmed to Agence France-Presse that the unauthorized presence of the military men in the shopping mall but would not give further details.

http://www.inq7.net/brk/2003/jul/27/brkpol_3-1.htm

[dArKeR]

9. Rogue soldiers set up base in downtown Manila - TGM

http://theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20030726.wcoup0726/BNStory/International/

Maybe they're there to stop the child prostitution that's going on with Arroyo protection?

Did any of you actually see a family living in a card board box? Ever see thousands of families? It's amazing to see them all smile when you walk by.

http://darkerxdarker.tripod.com/

[htuttle]

3. They aren't just 'armed men'

They are 'armed forces'. They are all army personnel.

It sounds like the main disagreements involve pay, insurance, and conditions involved with the long running fighting with 'rebels'.

In a way, it's one of the possible outcomes of a chief executive abusing it's role as commander in chief. I mean in the Philippines. Sure. That's what I mean.

[IndianaGreen]

4. Exactly, this has been festering for some time among the grunts

Having Arroyo send them into combat against the MILF and NPA did not help matters.

[DUreader]

5. BBC radio is saying junior officers, small group, not grunts

complaints include corruption of senior officers selling

weapons to rebels.

Saying it is not as much a coup as a publicity stunt and attempt

to negotiate better conditions

so far being dealt with by police and not yet a miliyary response

[dArKeR]

19. elite units and are experts on explosives

The reputed leaders of the latest military uprising in the Philippines are young officers who led elite units and are experts on explosives, officials said Saturday.

But the group, all led by graduates of the elite Philippine Military Academy (PMA), harboured complaints against the system ranging from low pay to corruption, they added.

President Gloria Arroyo announced on Saturday her government has discovered a coup plot by junior military officers and warned that they would be severely punished.

Officials said about 20 junior officers backed by "between 40-50" fully armed men were behind the revolt.

The suspected leaders "are primarily from the classes of 1995 to 1997" of the PMA, which produces most of the military's officer corps, Defence Secretary Angelo Reyes said over DZBB radio.

All the identified leaders of the plot are aged 30 or younger, and included two commanders of battalions of the elite Army Scout Rangers.

http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_1393360,00.html

Is it just me or can you see the difference between the CNN trash reporting and excellent detailed high quality reporting of New24 SA?

[IndianaGreen]

6. Rebels: not coup d'etat, explosives for defense 4:37 AM (Manila Time)

CLAIM 2,000 SOLDIERS
Rebels: not coup d'etat, explosives for defense
Posted: 4:37 AM (Manila Time) | Jul. 27, 2003
INQ7.net with GMA 7

Rebels who cordoned off a section of the Ayala shopping center in the Makati business district were not mounting a coup d'etat and were only airing their grievances, one of the soldiers said on GMA Network television, adding that the explosives ringing the area were for defense only.

"The explosives we have set up are for defense only," said Lieutenant Senior Grade Antoniio Trillanes of the Philippine Navy. "If they attack us, we will defend ourselves," he said.

Trillanes claimed the group had 2,000 members in the area. A statement would be released in a few hours, he said.

http://www.inq7.net/brk/2003/jul/27/brkpol_4-1.htm

[IndianaGreen]

7. A background story on the military rebels

About 2 months ago President Arroyo went to the Philippine Military Academy and got an earful of complaints from the young officers. Apparently she ignored them, as she has ignored the dismal conditions in which most Filipinos have to live. Why should she worry? Her pals in the ruling elites are doing quite well!

BTW, I was listening to the audio stream from DZBB which is available in the website for INQ7 when it suddenly cutoff in the middle of a frantic radio report from downtown Manila. It is in Tagalog, but they use plenty of English phrases. I will try to connect later today.

Military rebels behind coup plot from elite units
By Cecil Morella
GMA 7 with Agence France-Presse
Posted: 1:50 AM (Manila Time) | Jul. 27, 2003

THE REPUTED leaders of the latest military uprising in the Philippines are young officers who led elite units and are experts on explosives, officials said Saturday.

But the group, all led by graduates of the elite Philippine Military Academy (PMA), harbored complaints against the system ranging from low pay to corruption, they added.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced Saturday her government has discovered a coup plot by junior military officers and warned that they would be severely punished.

Officials said about 20 junior officers backed by "between 40-50" fully armed men were behind the revolt.

The suspected leaders "are primarily from the classes of 1995 to 1997" of the PMA, which produces most of the military's officer corps, Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes said over GMA Network radio DZBB.

http://www.inq7.net/brk/2003/jul/27/brkpol_1-1.htm

[saigon68]

11. PHILIPPINES= Wonderful Warm People +FIRST CLASS CORRUPTION

I spent 18 months there. The people are some of the best in the World. Genuinely warm, friendly and grateful to "GI Joe"

The leadership is another matter. Graft, Corruption, Theft, Murder, a society oozing in more 45 caliber pistols than the FBI. Everyone above dogcatcher is highly armed or has armed guards. The Macapagal/Marcos election in 1965 had something like 300 people killed in the campaign.

Their leadership was and is a model for Graft and Corruption.
The Tweed Ring, the Mafia and the City of Chicago could learn a trick or two from these world class thieves and hooligans, who for 40 years have run this place.

[IndianaGreen]

13. I had a Filipino lover a few years back when I was younger...

and thinner. One of the nicest men I have ever known. My fault we drifted apart!

He was a wild animal in bed!!!!!

:P

[jos]

16. Thanks for sharing

:eyes:

[IndianaGreen]

18. The point being that Filipinos are wonderful people, but

graft, corruption, and social injustice are part of their society. There is no way of knowing where the Philippines would be today had it not been for the colonial take over of the US, and the way the US has controlled every aspect of Filipino life (except when the Japanese were there).

[Aaron]

27. I enjoyed reading it.

It added zest to the thread :)

[dArKeR]

20. Really nice people but I don't agree with 'GI Joe'

1. Really nice people but I don't agree with 'GI Joe' and I don't think the Filipinos do either because they citizen referendum kicked the U.S. out of the Philippines. The U.S. didn't volunteer to leave. But the people do like American people. Filipino 'mail order' brides are surely the largest quantity to the U.S. and the world. I believe Filipino workers are the most quantity working overseas too. (Which is really sad because they leave their families and friends to work oversea because they can't find paying work at home.)

I have pictures of children, 4-7 years old, begging on the streets. My friends who are in the poilice, military and weathier types told me the mafia comes picks up the children and takes 95% of the daily collection. And 'normal' kids can't beg because all the 'good areas' are controlled by a local mafia. Which in turn pay-off the local police captain, who in turn pays off the of district offices who in turn pay off the President.

But everything is total corruption and all bribe roads lead to Roxas Blvd. (I forgot the street the Pig lives on.)

Make no mistake, Estrada was set up, framed by the Ramos crowd.

Fresh protests rock Philippine capital
http://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/04/30/philippines.estrada.05/


2. The Southern Mafia is the seat of power in the U.S. Chicago and N.Y. took orders from the South. I've seen a few TV documentaries on this also. Let's keep it straight where the real American Mafia was and is!

http://www.crimelibrary.com/gangsters_outlaws/family_epics/marcello/8.html?sect=16
http://www.crimelibrary.com/gangsters_outlaws/family_epics/marcello/4.html?sect=16
http://btobsearch.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?endeca=1&btob=Y&ean=9781561712038
http://www.pharo.com/intelligence/jfk/articles/ifjk_04_the_little_man_with_the_big_plan.asp

[saigon68]

23. 1966

When I was there 1965 to 1966 they loved the American's ( especially those who helped kick the "Japs" out)--- as to what happened since then I have to first hand knowledge. I know a lot has happened . I should have been clearer Sorry :-(

[dArKeR]

26. My favorite place to travel is SE Asia. Some of greatest people in the

world. I almost got wacked in about 1988 from a bomb planted in the main post office in Manila, on Ermita? Forgot. In fact it's a story for a book. I was walking from the Malate Pension to the post office to send out about 2 dozen post cards to family and friends, since I was the first and only one in the family to travel. On the way a girl walked up to me and said hi. I was a little nervous back then because it was my first tours. I was worred about being robbed. But she just asked me where I was from... about 3 minutes worth then I continued to the post office. About 30 seconds from the post office, but I could not see the PO because I was around a building corner, I heard a huge explosion. As I walked up the steps to the PO a hundred people were stampeding out of the PO. Very quickly some jeeps, (like Chrysler Jeep), stopped in front and a bunch of guys ran in and dragged out a bunch of bloody bodies, through them in the jeeps and took off, to the hospital I hope! Then the crowd kinda turned towards me and looked angry. I don't know if because I was a suspect or because it was 'foreigners' faults. I swear I'd never ran so fast in my life.

For people who've never traveled:
1. In not so rich countries, (I hate the media labeling them 3rd world, Under Developed. It's disgraceful and should be stopped.) You have no idea who are the police, investigators, medical personel, military... they don't wear uniforms. There's no money for uniforms. Better said, the President of the country steals any money which might be used for such purposes. Very very few have unifroms, the ones who talk to the press.

2. Ambulance service: You're thrown into the back of a taxi but you have to pay for the blood stains clean up.

[saigon68]

42. Thanks for the story

:-)

[TacticalPeek]

8. FauxNewsTV sez the officers claim US complicit w/arms sales to extremists

Keep in mind the variable accuracy of early reports.

[IndianaGreen]

10. Rebel soldiers accuse government of staging terrorist attacks!!!!

SAY NOT COUP D'ETAT
Military rebels occupy part of Makati mall, bombs set
Posted: 5:14 AM (Manila Time) | Jul. 27, 2003
INQ7.net with GMA 7 and Agence France-Presse

MILITARY MEN accused by the government of planning a coup attempt, occupied part of the Ayala Center shopping mall in the Makati business district early Sunday, setting up explosives and opening fire on a passing vehicle.

In a statement the group said it was withdrawing its allegiance from the military chain of command and the government of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It accused the government of selling arms to the various armed insurgent groups faced by the military.

The group, which called itself the Magdalo group, also accused the government of staging bombings in Davao City and pinning the blame on the Muslim separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front in order to label the group a terrorist organization and secure military aid from the United States.

Armed Forces public information officer Lieutenant Colonel Danilo Lucero warned the group on GMA Network television that "appropriate force" would be used.

http://www.inq7.net/brk/2003/jul/27/brkpol_5-1.htm

[DUreader]

12. WOW RUMMY SAID OSP WOULD BE DOING JUST THAT TYPE OF THING

Guess they let him and Wolfy off the leash

[indictrichardperle]

25. wait a minute

are young filipino officers accusing the US of covertly arming islamic rebels and staging terra ?


There are some dirty hands doing dark things in the phillipines, thats for certain.

[classics]

14. Another US installed 'leader' in trouble.

When will they learn that installing these puppets always leads to trouble.

[IndianaGreen]

17. Arroyo came to power by means of a coup

Arroyo had the support of the Axis of Evil of Philippines politics: the ruling class, the military, and the Catholic Church. In other words, to name names: the couple of hundred families that own all the wealth in the Philippines, General Fidel Ramos, and Cardinal Jaime Sin.

They toppled the happless President Estrada when the playboy turned politician began to make noises about redistributing wealth.

[IndianaGreen]

15. The reactionary Cardinal Jaime Sin calls for the support of Arroyo

Cardinal Sin is the darling of the 200 families that control all of the wealth in the Philippines. His words may sound good and rational, but his record is one of opposing any legislation that will alter the privilege position of the ruling class.

07/26/2003
Sin rallies people against coup
JdV affirms Congress leaders' support gav't

By Leslie Ann G. Aquino

Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin called on the Catholic faithful yesterday, to continually pray for peace in the country in the face of reports that some groups are planning to destabilize the government.

The cardinal said sources in the government, the military, and even the civil society are saying that there are indeed ongoing plots, organized and already in operation aimed at destabilization through violent means.

"As citizens of our republic and faithful Christians, we believe it is our duty to make ourselves intelligently alert and vigilant in the present situation so that the common good of our people may prevail, that our nation and republic may stand strong and firm in the face of these authentic threats from those who would place their own personal and group interests above the general interest of our Filipino people," Sin said.

While acknowledging that government reform is needed, Sin said it should be done "through peaceful means and deeds of justice and peace on the part of our leaders and of every one of us."

http://www.mb.com.ph/news.php?art=36734§=1&fname=MN03072636734h.txt

[IndianaGreen]

21. Running account of the "coup"

***************************************
Jul. 27, 07:41am

Rebels asked to allow hotel guests to leave
Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon appeals to military rebels to allow guests of the Oakwood Premier Suites to leave the area and not resort to "hostage-taking."

***************************************
Jul. 27, 07:37am

Magdalo group disavows Honasan link
The Magdalo group has disavowed any link with former coup leader Senator Gregorio Honasan, saying they have had no communication wth him, GMA-7 reported.

***************************************
Jul. 27, 07:24am

Honasan was on his way to talk to rebels: Sotto
Minority Floor Leader Vicente Sotto III came to Senator Gregorio Honasan's defense Sunday, saying Honasan was on his way to Makati to persuade a disgruntled group of military men to halt their takeover of a mall, when he learned he was being charged in the connection with the group's actions.

***************************************
Jul. 27, 07:08am

Charges readied vs Honasan: Lina
Government set to file charges against Senator Gregorio Honasan for alleged involvement in the mutiny of junior officers against the government, Interior Secretary Jose Lina told GMA-7.

***************************************
Jul. 27, 06:53am

US warns of negative consequences if rebels succeed
The United States Saturday warned of "immediate negative consequences" to bilateral relations, if a military coup in the Philippines is allowed to succeed. (Agence France-Presse)


***************************************
Jul. 27, 06:50am

Negotiations ongoing between military officials, junior officers
Negotiations still ongoing between the military leadership and rebel junior officers to reach a solution to the ongoing siege of a portion of the Makati commercial district.

More:

http://ruby.inq7.net/specialfeatures/coup/whats/

[IndianaGreen]

22. Mass arrests in the Philippines?

President Arroyo has ordered the arrest of some of her political rivals, regardless of their involvement in the ongoing coup attempt. She first ordered the arrest of an intermediary to the rebel soldiers. Now she has ordered the transfer to a military prison of former President Estrada, the man she toppled in a coup a few years back.

Arroyo is showing her true colors! Is this the beginning of mass arrests?

Golez refuses to comment on Estrada transfer reports
Posted: 9:25 AM (Manila Time) | Jul. 27, 2003
INQ7.net with GMA 7

National Security Adviser Roilo Golez declined to comment on and refused to confirm reports that detained ex-president Joseph Estrada was being transferred to military headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo.

At a press briefing in Malacañang Palace aired on GMA Network television, Golez said the matter was "tactical" and so would not be discussed.

A GMA-7 reporter at the Veteran's Memorial Medical Center where Estrada is detained on plunder and other charges said past and present lawyers of the former president had gathered at the hospital, which was surrounded by a barbed wire fence.

http://www.inq7.net/brk/2003/jul/27/brkpol_15-1.htm

[Aidoneus]

24. thanks, Indy

for all of your posts on this here :toast:

[Aaron]

34. TY for the updates IG (n/t)

[IndianaGreen]

28. Presidential aide: declaration allows warrantless arrests

Looks Arroyo has borrowed a page from Ashcroft: warrantless arrests! Arroyo has declared a "state of rebellion." I wonder if Bush will do the same if he feels his election chances are threatened.

All times are Manila time (about 11 hours ahead of ET):

Jul. 27, 01:47pm

Presidential aide: declaration allows warrantless arrests

The declaration of a state of rebellion paves the way for the mutineers to be arrested without a warrant from the courts, aide to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Roberto Pagdanganan said.

***************************************
Jul. 27, 01:39pm

5 PM deadline not affected by rebellion declaration

The declaration of a state of rebellion did not mean that government forces would now move against the rebels before a 5 PM deadline earlier set by the President, Bunye said.

***************************************
Jul. 27, 01:27pm

Bunye: State of rebellion is nationwide

The coverage of the state of rebellion is nationwide, said Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye in response to a question.

***************************************
Jul. 27, 01:23pm

President directs military to suppress the rebellion

President issues General Order No. 4 ordering the military and the police to suppress the rebellion.

***************************************
Jul. 27, 01:21pm

President declares state of rebellion

President issue Proclamation 427 declaring a state of rebellion. Scope not immediately clear.

http://ruby.inq7.net/specialfeatures/coup/whats/

INQ7 has posted the following notice:

ADVISORY: Due to high traffic on our servers and to more effectively deliver updates to you, we have routed traffic from our homepage to this running account.

[dArKeR]

29. Any DUer in Manila? What streets are the 'Terrorists' on? I'm just

waiting for this word to pop up. Everyone who's not in power is a terrorist.

I was also in Makiti for a coup. I can't remember if it was the same trip as the PO visit. I've got pics at my father's house of the bullet fire in the financial district.

I hate all the Filipino elite and government. Nothings changed there since Marcos. Democracy? Bullshot! It's GOP democracy. People can choose between 2 mafia candidates who are controlled by the power Filipino power families. In fact, I believe it can be proven that the Filinpino economy has gone done by hundreds of percents since Aquino. And/or the 'Government leaders' and power elite have stolen hundreds of percent more since Marcos. Reason: The engine that fuels the Philippines is overseas workers sending home hard currency and when they return with their salaries. The amount of overseas workers, since Marcos' time has had to go up a few thousand percent. So why hasn't their economy gone up since ALL Filipinos are good people and send home a very large portion of their salary? The conclusion: Their economy has actually shrunk or been looted more by Aquino, Ramos and Arroyo.

[dArKeR]

31. deleted

[IndianaGreen]

32. There is this blogger in the Philippines, Harvard educated physicist...

He has been posting some stories as to what is going on:

http://deanjorgebocobo.blogspot.com/

[dArKeR]

43. Hey thanks

[IndianaGreen]

30. BREAKING: VP of Philippines says rebels have legitimate grievances

***************************************
Jul. 27, 02:22pm

Guingona: mutineers' demand legitimate

Vice President Teofisto Guingona described the concerns of soldiers allegedly staging a coup Sunday as "legitimate" and called for the standoff to end without bloodshed.

***************************************
Jul. 27, 02:19pm

Biazon says rebel group softening

Senator Rodolfo Biazon was quoted by radio dzBB as saying that the rebel group was beginning to soften its position. The senator was reported to be seeking an extension of the deadline given to the group to lay down its arms. (INQ7.net and GMA-7)

***************************************
Jul. 27, 02:07pm

GMA-7 FLASH REPORT

Government forming negotiating team to talk to rebels

http://ruby.inq7.net/specialfeatures/coup/whats/

[Aidoneus]

35. interesting developments..

if some section of the elite like a VP can say these people have legitimate grievances, perhaps it will spread. From what I understand of the people there, they hate Arroyo for her support of W's war on Iraq, they don't want another war against the Moros on Mindanao like Arroyo's crew does, obviously hate the elite's notorious corruption, etc.. I read editorials in the Filipino press about how they're seen as a poor country, but their government can always come up with the money for a war, or to help US wars.

thanks again for these updates.

[Wonk]

36. Arroyo orders military to suppress armed rebellion "immediately". Link.

link

[dArKeR]

33. I can prove the Bush family has relations with child prostitution, child

pornography, child slave labor, and child abuse through their relationship with Ramos in the Carlyle Group.

Their is not doubt of this and I could prove it if I had a basic investigative reporting crew. That's what gets me. Why isn't their a 'Foreign 60 Minutes'? All you have to do is go onto the street in the Manila and see this happening. Everyone knows it's happening. It's happening next door on the same streets as the Goverment offices. Of course I didn't see the protection money being paid to the police captain but my Filipino friends in the Police and Military told me that's how it works. The protection money, (or part of the income from customers who paid to molest child), is given to the police chief and it works it's way up to the President.

The only this that needs to be followed is how and who actually gives the money to Ramos and Arroyo.

Anyone is doubt? Buy a ticket to Manila and take a look for yourself. It's impossible to miss or you'd have to have your GOP blinders on to miss it. Everyone in the Philippines knows this is going on. Even our friends the Cardinals, the Pope, the Priests, the media... How could the Bush Family, Rove, Cheney, Hastert, Powell, Gingrich, Limbaugh, Russeert, Fineman, Woodward, Asscroft, CIA, FBI... be so knowledgeable all these secrect things going on in the world but have no idea of this open secret in the Philippines?

[IndianaGreen]

37. It's over! Rebel soldiers are surrendering.

***************************************
Jul. 27, 03:25pm

General embraces returning rebel, shields from media

General Emmanuel Teodosio salutes then embraces a returning rebel and shields him from media.View GMA-7 Flash Report video

***************************************
Jul. 27, 03:17pm

At least 10 rebels return to fold of law

At least 10 of about 200 military rebels accused of staging a coup surrendered on Sunday after an overnight standoff in Makati an Agence France-Presse journalist said. (Agence France-Presse)

***************************************
Jul. 27, 03:13pm

Rebels returning to gov't fold

Rebel soldiers marching out of the Oakwood building were turning themselves over to government soldiers and embracing them, dzBB reporters on the scene said.

***************************************
Jul. 27, 03:06pm

Rebels march out of Oakwood apartment building

The rebels have begun marching out of the Oakwood hotel towards the parking lot between the Rustan's department store and the Hotel Intercon, dzBB reports.

http://ruby.inq7.net/specialfeatures/coup/whats/

[IndianaGreen]

38. General: more than 50 rebels surrender (no leaders among them)

***************************************
Jul. 27, 03:39pm

General: more than 50 rebels surrender

General Teodosio, ground commander of troops surrounding the rebels, told Agence France-Presse that at least 50 of the rebels have surrendered, but said the leaders of the mutiny did not appear to be among them.

http://ruby.inq7.net/specialfeatures/coup/whats/

[paulthompson]

39. For those who doubt if 9/11 was a LIHOP...

As an aside, if anyone doubts that elements of the US gvmt let 9/11 happen on purpose, consider this extract from a CNN story about today's situation in the Philippines:

Late Saturday, renegade military members released a video in which they accused Arroyo of selling arms to rebel groups and carrying out a series of bombings the government has blamed on the rebels. The group said Arroyo, 56, was conspiring to declare martial law in August so she could remain in power after her term expires next year.

While the government issued a statement calling the accusation "a lie," and saying the soldiers themselves could be victims of propaganda, the soldiers' accusation plays on the fears of many Filipinos after the infamous 21-year term of President Ferdinand Marcos, during which he did the same thing.

Marcos instigated a series of bombings and civil unrest in the late 1960s and early 1970s, using that as an excuse to declare martial law in 1972. It took the People Power Revolt of 1986 to end Marcos' dictatorship.

http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/07/26/arroyo.officers/index.html

---

Whether or not the rebels are right and a "sparkle" is going on now in the Philippines (that's the word the spy world uses for when governments create their own terrorist incident and blame it on someone else), there's now doubt that's what Marcos did several decades ago.

Then consider this quote from Nazi leader Hermann Goering, which has because justifiably famous recently:

"Naturally, the common people don't want war, but after all, it is the leaders of a country who determine the policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in every country."

Then ask yourself: is it really so crazy to wonder if Bush and Co are working along similar lines?

[dArKeR]

40. Nooooo! It's NOooooOT cRaZyyyyy!

[starroute]

44. Don't forget all those strange 911 connections to the Philippines

http://www.latimes.com/news/specials/911/la-na-plot-1sep01.story

[IndianaGreen]

46. This story also fuels the conspiracy theories about President Arroyo

This communique refers to the government staging terrorist incidents in order to "justify repression." That is precisely the same charge made by the rebels (posted in this thread) that the government staged terririst bombings in order to get more military aid from the US.

Communist rebels cheer for military rebels
Posted: 7:57 PM (Manila Time) | Jul. 27, 2003
Agence France-Presse

COMMUNIST guerrillas were cheering on the sidelines Sunday as President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo struggled to put down a day-old military mutiny.

"Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's 'Strong Republic' is fast crumbling from within," crowed a statement from the communists' political National Democratic Front (NDF).

<snip>

The NDF "is not surprised with these revelations. We are used to the (armed forces) and Philippine National Police committing terrorist actions and attributing them to the revolutionary forces to justify repression," the communist statement proclaimed.

"Ordinary soldiers and junior officers are used as cannon fodders" against the decades-old communist rebellion, "while generals and other high-ranking officials wallow in luxuries and kickbacks as well as profit from criminal activities such as illegal drugs trade and kidnapping."

http://www.inq7.net/brk/2003/jul/27/brkpol_23-1.htm

[dArKeR]

41. They're demanding the government step down - CBS

An extended deadline has now passed in Manila where the government's ordered the surrender of nearly 200 rebellious troops who are holed up in a large commercial center they've wired with explosives. They're demanding the government step down.

Negotiations with senior government leaders continued.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/07/24/world/main564888.shtml

[IndianaGreen]

45. The coup has been over for a few hours, the US media is behind the news!

All times are Manila time (11 hours ahead of ET):

Jul. 27, 11:59pm

Last batch of mutinous troops arrive in Fort Bonifacio: report

A CONVOY of ten six by six trucks boarded by mutinous troops entered the gates of Fort Bonifacio, a reporter from dzBB said, ending a 20-hour tense-filled standoff between government and rebel troops who occupied the luxury Oakwood condominium.

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Jul. 27, 11:17pm

Remain at home, US tells its citizens in RP

US advised its citizens in the Philippines to remain at home and steer clear of all public gatherings, according to an Agence France Presse report. "Remain calm and alert," the notice said. "Remain in your residence and avoid going out and public gatherings."

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Jul. 27, 11:13pm

Rebels transported to Army camp: report

THE first batch of rebel troops leave Oakwood aboard 6 six-by-six trucks for the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifaci, according to radio dzBB. The troops will spend the night at the Army grandstand, the report said.

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Jul. 27, 10:50pm

Rebel officer not satisfied with outcome: report

REBEL Lt. Sg. Antonio Trillanes IV said he feels their objectives were not achieved, that corruption will go unabated and he was sorry the people wanted it that way, according to an interview on GMA Network after the group agreed to a "return to barracks" resolution to the crises.

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Jul. 27, 10:30pm

It's over, Macapagal says of Makati mutiny

NEARLY 300 rebel soldiers agreed to return to barracks and to face military justice, bringing a tense one-day mutiny to an end, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said."They have not asked for and they shall not be given special treatment," she said in an Agence France Presse report.

http://ruby.inq7.net/specialfeatures/coup/whats/