Philippines arrests aid of ex-president

Police in the Philippines today arrested a key aide of disgraced former President Joseph Estrada over allegations of involvement in a mutiny by renegade troops.

Police said Ramon Cardenas, a member of Estrada’s Cabinet, owned a house near Manila where officers found assault rifles, ammunition and red arm bands similar to those used by soldiers who seized an apartment and shopping complex in downtown Manila yesterday.

Cardenas was Estrada’s deputy executive secretary during his presidency, which ended in January 2001 when massive street protests toppled him from power over alleged corruption.

Estrada is now standing trial and his lawyers today denied he was involved in Sunday’s uprising.

Cardenas is regarded as a close supporter of Estrada.

He has often visited the fallen leader in his military hospital detention cell.