Members of the Philippine Army take over Shopping Mall in Manila

CNN

[yonif]

Members of the Philippine Army take over Shopping Mall in Manila

These are part of those who were uncovered as plotting to commence a coup-de-tat. The government announced today that they will be going after then (before this mall event happened).

[kayak]

Prayers for your safety .... and for others in the area, especially the reported hostages.

Thank you for giving us the info to put this into perspective.

[kerosene]

What's the name of that mall? I was there in Dec 1995, and I spent a few pesos in a HUGE MEGAMALL in Makati. What I recall is that it was three or four stories high, it appeared to have a metallic look to it, and there were large, gaudy, neon signs all over it.

[mdittmar]

Keep us posted,sounds like 3 hostages according to Fox,2 Americans,1 Aussie, I think.

Civilian protesters trying to get close.

[kayak]

FOX is reporting that the hostages reportedly include the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines and 2 Americans.

[Monty22]

Lets see, this has to be islamic based violence again..

The poor aussies sure have been getting a nasty view of islam lately. They've gotta be getting tired of that crap too.

[kayak]

For those who don't recall, President Arroyo is that diminutive and gracious lady who was the guest of honor at the last state dinner at the White House (May 2003).

[decimon]

These are part of those who were uncovered as plotting to commence a coup-de-tat.

Well, it's coup-de-tit for coup-de-tat.

[OldFriend]

It's deadly serious because they have hostages.

This is precisely why it is best that the evil sons are dead and not just captured. American hostages could be taken by hostile Iraqi's who would demand the release of the brothers.

[sheik yerbouty]

Talh about getting malled...

[Terp]

I'm here in the Philippines watching this live on TV. A friend just pointed out something to me about the rebel officers. They're all wearing a armband. Apearantly it's a referance to Katipunan who fought the 1896 Revolution against Spanish rule. A short little article below.

The Katipunan

The Katipunan (meaning "Association") planned and initiated the Philippine Revolution. It was founded in Tondo, Manila, by Andres Bonifacio and a few other fellow urban workers on July 7, 1892. Its full Tagalog name is Kataastaasan Kagalang-galang na Katipunan nang manga Anak ng Bayan (Highest and Most Venerated Association of the Sons and Daughters of the Land). From its inception, Katipunan was forged by blood, with all its members enacting the traditional blood compact and signing their names with their own blood. The foremost goal of the Katipunan was political, the separation of the Philippines from Spain. Its members also recognized and performed a civic duty which was mutual assistance and the defense of the poor and the oppressed.

The rest of the article can be found at http://opmanong.ssc.hawaii.edu/filipino/katipunan.html

[Husker24]

Are these rebels communists or communist leaning?

[pops88]

I lived in Makati for a bit about 6 years ago. Stay safe. I hope things get resolved quickly and safely.

[Ben Hecks]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I've had the impression that Macapagal-Arroyo has been trying to weed out corruption. The officers involved in the "coup" effort apparently claim that some senior military officers have actually sold weapons to the Abu Sayyaf and they are demanding that the military be cleaned up. Also, there are some retired senior officers that continue to live in military housing which forces active duty officers to live elsewhere. In effect, the rebel officers and Macapagal-Arroyo may be seeking the same results but they are going about it in the wrong manner.

[nuconvert]

I heard earlier that they are special forces soldiers in the Philip. navy. Like our Navy Seals.

[Terp]

No, there just tired of the corruption they see everywhere in this society.

[Terp]

Ben, all you mentioned is true. Strange though yesterday the Philippine President had a sit down with these guys and she came out of the meeting saying that all of the disputes had been resolved and less than 12 hours or so later this thing happens. The way I see it from having lived here for almost a year is that one persons corruption is another person's favor. I hope that explanation is clearer than mud? And no there not communists, they're the farthest thing from that they're nationalists.

[nvskibum]

Thanks all for your concern. So far, to my knowledge, there has been no violence.My apartment is in a building directly accross the street from the action, but on the side of the buiding facing away. This may be lucky in terms of our personal safety if one of the bombs planted at the commercial center detonates, or if bullets are fired. We are only 100-200 yards from the scene.

Kerosene, the affected commercial center is "Glorietta Mall", also known as "Ayala Center", a complex housing upscale shops, restaurants, hotels and apartments. I think the mall you visited was "Megamall", a huge and somewhat gaudy mall located several miles away from the financial district on EDSA Highway, in the "Ortigas" area.

From my window, I can see that EDSA Highway, scene of the "People Power" demonstations that toppled Marcos and Estrada, is completely empty. Traffic to and from Makati is completely blocked. EDSA normally is one of the busiest highways in Manila.

The President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, has given the rebels a deadline to surrender by 5:00 p.m.,local time, with use of force authorized after that time. According to some news reports, some soldiers "loyal" to the government greeted the rebel soldiers warmly upon their arrival at the area, so who knows what will happen at 5:00 p.m.

It has been reported that the Australian Ambassador and other foreigners, including some Americans who were possibly being held as hostages, have been allowed to leave.

From what I can see on local TV, the government seems to be in control at this time, and there seems to be an absence of public support for the rebels. I don't know how reliable this media information is, however.

[kayak]

Thanks for the update. It's especially heartening to know that the hostages have been released.

Stay safe but report in when you can.