Manila, July 31: President Gloria Arroyo today asked state prosecutors to file rebellion charges against 321 junior military officers and men accused of plotting to overthrow her government. The charges are separate from court-martial proceedings launched against the soldiers, who surrendered after mounting a failed mutiny at the financial heart of Manila.
"The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) with the help of the (armed forces) is filing charges of coup d'etat in violation of Article 134-A of the revised penal code against 321 offices and men," NBI chief Reynaldo Wycoco told a congressional inquiry into the coup.
He said similar charges were being filed against Ramon Cardenas, an ex-aide to deposed president Joseph Estrada who was arrested at his home on Monday.
Police said Cardenas' home in a plush village across the street where the siege took place was used by the soldiers as a staging point.
The authorities have raided two other houses used by the mutineers, and are looking for several more suspected hideouts.
"There were over 300 officers and men involved in the mutiny. We believe that these cannot be accommodate in just three houses. It is possible there were other staging areas that were used."
Bureau Report