Arroyo ‘mops up’ coup plotters

MANILA – Support for the Philippine government from some elite troops appeared to weaken yesterday after a Marines commander was removed over an alleged plot to overthrow President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Arroyo, who survived a crisis last year over allegations of election cheating and corruption, invoked emergency rule on Friday to confront what she said was a conspiracy of political enemies, communists and “military adventurists”. At the Marines base in Manila, about 100 soldiers in full battle gear and three armoured personnel carriers put on a show of support for their sacked chief.One platoon commander had arrived with his men and vehicles to join them.One respected Marines officer, brigade commander Colonel Ariel Querubin, called for civilians and soldiers to show their backing for Major-General Renato Miranda, saying his dismissal was “unjust”.On Friday, the head of the elite Scout Rangers regiment was detained for allegedly planning to lead troops to incite crowds at anti-Aroyo rallies.A former police chief and leftist congressman have also been detained for questioning.Senior military officers said Miranda, commander of the 8 000 Marines in the 117 000-member military, had been given a “graceful exit” after he became the most senior officer so far to be linked to the foiled coup.”There will be more changes in the coming days,” one senior military official told Reuters.A Marines spokesman said Miranda’s departure was a normal change of command.Dozens of civilians, mainly from leftist groups but also nuns clutching rosary beads, gathered outside the base.Miranda was hugged by his teary-eyed wife.- Nampa-ReutersAt the Marines base in Manila, about 100 soldiers in full battle gear and three armoured personnel carriers put on a show of support for their sacked chief.One platoon commander had arrived with his men and vehicles to join them.One respected Marines officer, brigade commander Colonel Ariel Querubin, called for civilians and soldiers to show their backing for Major-General Renato Miranda, saying his dismissal was “unjust”.On Friday, the head of the elite Scout Rangers regiment was detained for allegedly planning to lead troops to incite crowds at anti-Aroyo rallies.A former police chief and leftist congressman have also been detained for questioning.Senior military officers said Miranda, commander of the 8 000 Marines in the 117 000-member military, had been given a “graceful exit” after he became the most senior officer so far to be linked to the foiled coup.”There will be more changes in the coming days,” one senior military official told Reuters.A Marines spokesman said Miranda’s departure was a normal change of command.Dozens of civilians, mainly from leftist groups but also nuns clutching rosary beads, gathered outside the base.Miranda was hugged by his teary-eyed wife.- Nampa-Reuters