50-70 military officers and thier men, in opposition to Arroyo, took over the Ayala Mall and the nearby conduminium where foreign nationals house. President Arroyo blamed the failed attempt on an opposition senator and ex-president Estrada. Arroyo is surrounded by military to protect her? President Bush stated there whould be ex-tremely negative consequences if such a coup is successful and Australia said they will send troops if the coup is successful.
The rebelling lower ranked military officers and their loyal men are saying that Arroyo is behind the bombings in Davao and are selling weapons to the MILF and Abu Sayaf. And that they were being told to hush up and not talk about it or they would be punished. They claim that bombings that would occur in Manila in the later part of the year would allow her to declare marcial law and take of the government. Arroyo is said to be in shock over the statement.
Bear and Honey
