Sunday, February 26, 2006
Restive marines agree to follow chain of command (11:05 p.m.)
MANILA -- A potential threat to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's leadership ended peacefully Sunday night after disgruntled marine officers agreed to end a five-hour standoff that started when their commander was relieved of duties.
The officers appeared to back down when their appeal for people to defy a ban on rallies and turn out to protect them "from aggression" drew only about 3,000-4,000 opposition figures, leftist leaders, and their followers.
Their new commander, Brig. Gen. Nelson Allaga, said the men had agreed to be loyal.
"It's clear we follow the chain of command, and we follow the duly constituted authority," Allaga said after meeting with the men inside the marine headquarters camp. (AP) |
