Wednesday, September 13, 2006
200 investigated in failed coup plot, 12 may be charged soon: RP official (9:35 p.m.)
MANILA -- About 200 people, including military officers, religious leaders and civilians, have been investigated in connection with an alleged attempt to overthrow President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and 12 could be charged soon, an official said Wednesday.
An interagency team that included civilian, police and military investigators has wrapped up a probe into a coup plot that Arroyo said her loyal generals quashed in February, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said. Charges could be filed against an initial batch of 12 suspects as early as this week, he said.
Gonzalez declined to identify those questioned, but said investigators carefully examined all the evidence because of the status of some of those involved. The evidence included statements by people who had acknowledged their involvement in the failed plot, he said.
"It is a very sensitive situation ... something that will more than stir the hornet's nest," Gonzalez told ABS-CBN television. (AP) |
