Philippine police say armed men have taken over a commercial center in the capital city of Manila, amid reports runaway soldiers were planning a coup attempt. Witnesses say men in camouflage were setting up explosives outside a large shopping mall.
This comes shortly after Philippine President Gloria Arroyo ordered the military to hunt down and arrest up to 70 junior military officers rumored to be involved in the coup attempt.
Ms. Arroyo issued the order Saturday after conferring with senior officers at the presidential palace, where security has been heightened. Armed Forces Chief of Staff Narcisco Abaya says at least 10 army and navy officers have deserted their posts as well as 40 other servicemen. He said the officers have illegally taken weapons with them.
Ms. Arroyo says the deserting military officers will receive the maximum penalty for mutiny and conspiracy to commit rebellion. Talks of a coup plot by junior officers, who have complained about low pay and corruption among their superiors, have been circulating in Manila for the past week.
Ms. Arroyo says she met this week with disaffected junior officers and had heard what she called "legitimate grievances" from them.