Manila, July 27: Philippines President Gloria Arroyo today declared the country was in a "state of rebellion" and ordered the armed forces and the police to put down a mutiny by some 200 military officers and men. Arroyo issued a proclamation and general order for the military and police "to suppress and quell the rebellion" under special powers, presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye told a news conference.
Troops and police are ordered to "immediately carry out the necessary and appropriate actions and measures to suppress and quell the rebellion with due regard to constitutional rights," he added.
Arroyo aide Roberto Pagdanganan said the declaration gives the troops the power to arrest the mutineers without the need for a warrant issued by the courts. Bureau Report