Trillanes, Lim Call On Troops To Withdraw Support For Arroyo

Trillanes, Lim call on troops to withdraw support for Arroyo

By Thea Alberto
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 12:39pm (Mla time) 11/29/2007

 

MANILA, Philippines — A group of soldiers led by Senator Antonio Trillanes and Brigadier General Danilo Lim has called on the security forces to withdraw support from the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.After walking out from a hearing at the Makati regional trial court, Trillanes and Lim, who are on trial for the shortlived mutiny at the Oakwood Apartments in 2003, led a march along Makati Avenue, according to a radio report over dzBB.Former vice president Teofisto Guingona and Bishop Tobias were also present.But Lieutenant Colonel Bartolome Bacarro in a statement appealed to the troops to stay calm.He said the military would not join Trillanes and asked the soldiers not to believe in what the senator and Lim are saying.In a press conference at Manila Peninsula hotel in Makati City, Lim called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police “to exercise their mandate of sovereignty” following allegations of “numerous moral and illegal activities conducted by this government.”“We are confident the rule of sovereignty will prevail,” said Lim in his short speech.National Police Director General Avelino Razon has called the officers of the PNP for a meeting.Several soldiers from the Philippine Air Force and men from the PNP have barricaded the Manila Peninsula, according to reports.