quote:

---

A state of emergency is in force across the Philippines after the army said it had foiled a coup to topple President Gloria Arroyo.

---

Gloria Arroyo invokes emergency rule after failed coup attempt

quote:

---

MANILA: President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared emergency rule in the Philippines on Friday after the military said it foiled a coup attempt.

Talk of plots against Arroyo, who survived a crisis last year over allegations of vote rigging and graft, has been running high around this week’s anniversary of the 1986 “people power” revolt that overthrew dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

---

Coup plotter 'respected man'

quote:

---

Manila - Brigadier general Danilo Lim, arrested on Friday for his alleged role in a plot to unseat President Gloria Arroyo, was considered a highly respected army officer, despite his record of involvement in past mutinies.

A 1978 graduate of the West Point military academy in the United States, he led the elite Scout Rangers, who were at the frontlines of campaigns against communist guerrillas and Muslim separatists.

---

[ 24 February 2006: Message edited by: al-Qa'bong ]