Another "Military Mutiny?"
Lt Trillanes in 2003 Oakwood Mutiny and Nov 29th Peninsula Escapade
Renegade military officers walked out of a court hearing on their 2003 Oakwood Hotel mutiny, took over the Peninsula Hotel, and demanded President Arroyo's resignation.
Last Thursday a group of renegade military officers took over the posh Peninsula Hotel in Makati, the nation’s financial and business hub. The area was quickly cordoned off, beginning a 6-hour standoff during which the renegades called for the end of the Arroyo presidency, talked with government negotiators, and allowed hotel patrons to be evacuated. Finally, after a government deadline passed, the forces outside began firing, tear gas was released, and the hotel entrance was breached by an armored car. The dissidents surrendered before any serious injuries, and approximately 30 individuals were transported to a government detention center.[1]
President Arroyo issued a statement saying the swift putdown of the coup attempt demonstrated the stability of Philippine governmental institutions.[2] Outside observers may see a different picture, particularly those familiar with the Oakwood Mutiny, a similar drama played out in July 2003. Then, a group of junior officers led by Navy Lt. Antonio Trillanes IV seized the Oakwood Hotel in Makati. The dissidents surrendered after less than a day, maintaining they were not attempting to overthrow the government, but merely demanding military and government reform. Investigation indicated there was indeed a conspiracy to overthrow President Arroyo and seize power, however, it was unclear to what extent the “military mutiny” was an integral part of the larger coup attempt. It was possible the mutineers were unwitting pawns being used by others behind the scenes as a catalyst to initiate a coup d'etat. Four years later the case is still unresolved, and the Oakwood mutineers were at a court hearing last Thursday when the Peninsula Hotel incident occurred.
In fact, the Peninsula escapade began when former lieutenant Antonio Trillanes IV and most of his fellow defendants walked out of the Makati Regional Trial Court, somehow unrestrained by their security escorts, and marched down to the Peninsula Hotel. Another leader of the courtroom walk-out that morning was Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, who was under detention for the failed coup attempt of February 2006. “We are joining the people in calling for the resignation of Mrs. Arroyo…” Gen. Lim said during Thursday’s march to the Peninsula. “Now is the time for the withdrawal of support. We are joining our people in the removal of an illegitimate President ...”[3]
Incredibly, the PNP spokesman remarked that the group was liable for contempt of court for walking out of the Oakwood hearing, for forcible entry of the Peninsula, and possibly [!] for rebellion.[4] President Arroyo may attempt to reassure her nation’s citizenry, foreign tourists, and international investors that all is well, but it is hard to comprehend how the lackadaisical approach to repeated acts of sedition is supposed to instill confidence in the nation’s stability.
References
1. “Trillanes Revolt Crushed,” Philippine Inquirer, Nov. 30, 2007
2. Associated Press release, updated 8:32 a.m. PT, Thurs., Nov. 29, 2007
3. “Trillanes Revolt Crushed,” op. cit.
4. “Trillanes Revolt Crushed,” op. cit.
