Hoping Toolbox is nowhere near this...

Gato_Solo

Gato_Solo

Out-freaking-standing OTC member
MANILA, Philippines — Dozens of armed men stormed a major commercial center in Manila's financial district early Sunday, hours after the president ordered the arrest of mutinous soldiers believed to be plotting a coup.

Men in camouflage uniforms were seen setting up explosives in the parking lot of the Glorietta complex, which includes one of the capital's largest shopping malls, and in front of the adjacent Intercontinental Hotel.

The incident came hours after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (search) had ordered a group of junior military officers arrested for mutiny Saturday after they deserted with their weapons. Her whereabouts were not clear Sunday, and the government made no immediate statement on the shopping center takeover.

"We are not attempting to grab power," navy Lt. Sr. Grade Antonio Trillanes, one of the officers Arroyo ordered arrested, told reporters outside the mall. "We are just trying to express our grievances against this government and against the chain of command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

"These explosives are set to defend our position. If they try to take us down, we will be forced to use it."

He claimed to have the support of 2,000 officers and soldiers.

Military spokesman Lt. Col. Daniel Lucero urged the men to surrender. "This is not the right way to express our sentiments," he said in a statement.

Radio reports said about 100 men were involved. They were armed with rifles and wore red arm bands with a symbol of sun rays. A warning shot was fired as a delivery truck approached.

About six security guards of the upscale Rustan's department store shut the doors and fled. The armed men rigged the doors with explosives.

Armored personnel carriers that had been dispatched to guard the gates of the presidential palace were reinforced with more vehicles and elite troops early Sunday. Four other APCs were seen near the Intercontinental, but it was unclear if they were rebel forces or government loyalists.
Click to expand...

The rest of the story can be found here...
 
Thanks Gato, I heard this yesterday too. My son has been in the Phillipines a few times lately. He's not there now, but he could be sent in a support capacity if we send troops.
 
pretty scary stuff. i can understand their anger at the president but they are putting the explosives in a hotel. others who have nothing to do with it could be hurt or killed :(
 
Wow! Saw this for the first time. :)

Actually, Makati is the business district and I live right in the middle of it. The Oakwood Towers are within sight of my bedroom window.

I was approximately 400 - 500 meters away from where that all happened. :) If a bomb went off, I would've felt it for sure but these things in Manila are usually very tame. I never expected a bomb to go off as these militants are always very thoughtful. The bombs were just there to prove a point and to protect themelves. :)

Thanks for the concern though.
 
Toolbox™ said:
Wow! Saw this for the first time. :)

Actually, Makati is the business district and I live right in the middle of it. The Oakwood Towers are within sight of my bedroom window.

I was approximately 400 - 500 meters away from where that all happened. :) If a bomb went off, I would've felt it for sure but these things in Manila are usually very tame. I never expected a bomb to go off as these militants are always very thoughtful. The bombs were just there to prove a point and to protect themelves. :)

Thanks for the concern though.
Click to expand...


I had remembered that you said you lived in Manila, so I was a bit worried that something could happen. Glad you and your family are safe, and check in here more often so we won't get worried when this kind of thing happens, okay? :)
 
It was close but nothing to worry about. I guess I'm just used to this country being in termoil all the time. :)

Thanks for the concern though... it means a lot!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top