Philippine police on alert after coup plot discovered

Police in the Philippine capital Manila went on heightened alert today, a day after authorities uncovered an alleged new coup plot against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and opposition groups called for a massive rally next week.

Metropolitan Manila police chief Vidal Querol ordered police units to increase road patrols and checks and “monitor well and be ready for any contingency”.

He did not elaborate, but yesterday, a top military official said Arroyo met top military officials to discuss a new plot against her, allegedly involving disgruntled soldiers replacing her with a civilian-led revolutionary council.

The military, however, downplayed the immediate danger, saying the plotters appeared to have limited capability.

Military spokesman Col. Tristan Kison said the plot, dubbed “Operation Hackle”, called for assassinating “some Cabinet members and even the president”.

He said the plan was disrupted, but refused to name the plotters.