Some troops in Philippines mutiny surrender

Some of the troops in the Philippines who mutinied and seized a shopping centre in the centre of the capital city as they demanded the resignation of the government surrendered today after an ultimatum from president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

But others continued to hold out in the shopping centre complex in central Manila which they had wired with explosives.

About 50 of the 200 or so soldiers involved in the rebellion surrendered to government troops after the president ordered military and police to suppress the mutiny “immediately”.

Major General Emmanuel Teodosio said: “They returned to the control of the military.”

Radio reports said the soldiers who surrendered walked from the building complex they had seized to a nearby car park, where government troops were waiting.

The stand-off began soon after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered the arrest of junior officers who deserted with their weapons and were believed to be plotting a coup.

Aroyo told the mutineers in a nationally televised address: “There is absolutely no justification for the actions you have taken.

“You have already stained the uniform. Do not drench it with dishonour. Your actions are already hovering at the fringes of outright terrorism.”

Arroyo later issued a “state of rebellion,” which gives authorities power to carry out arrests without warrants, then told military and police that they should “immediately carry out the necessary actions and measures to suppress and quell the rebellion with due regard to constitutional rights”.

Earlier Sunday she said the rogue soldiers had until 5pm (10am Irish time) to surrender, but the rebels pledged to remain.

It was not clear if her order meant military action would take place before the deadline.

Unlike the “people power” revolts which peacefully ousted two presidents in recent years, there appeared to be little public support for the mutiny.

The military chief of staff declared loyalty to the Philippine president.

Renegade troops in camouflage uniforms set up gun posts and rigged explosives at 3am around the outside of the Glorietta complex, which includes one of the capital’s largest shopping malls.

The military responded by sending marines to positions nearby.

Television footage later showed them shaking hands with some of the rebellious officers, raising questions about what government forces would do if ordered to mount an assault.

Navy Lieutenant Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes told reporters at the scene: “We are not attempting to grab power. We are just trying to express our grievances.”

The explosives were for self-defence, he said, adding: “If they try to take us down, we will be forced to use it.”

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

Radio reports said about 100 men were involved. They were armed with rifles and wore red arm bands with a symbol of sun rays.