|
|
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Riot cops barricade marines headquarters (9:00 p.m.)
MANILA -- Dozens of riot police sealed off the marines headquarters on Sunday after a colonel urged Filipinos to defy a ban on rallies and turn out en masse to protect officers implicated in a foiled coup.
The call came after the head of the elite unit was relieved of his duties.
Several left-wing protest leaders rushed to the marine headquarters in suburban Manila, even though the state of emergency bans public rallies. They were joined by dozens of opposition supporters, including former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, who resigned after breaking with Arroyo two years ago.
Three armored personnel carriers, a tank, and some 300 marines also arrived and went inside before the gates were closed. It was unclear where their loyalties lay.
Several dozen riot police took up positions outside the camp and sealed off a road leading to it.
"The most important thing is for the soldiers not to fire at each other," said Sen. Ramon Magsaysay, an Arroyo critic also at the camp.
The marines were widely rumored to have been among military units involved in the coup plot. The military said Friday it uncovered the plan before it could be launched.
Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda was relieved Sunday as commandant of the marines. Military spokesman Lt. Col. Tristan Kison said Miranda asked to be relieved of duties, citing personal reasons, but other reports suggested he had been forced out. (AP) |
|
|
|
