Palace pursues probe of new coup plotMalacañang said it is checking reports on a new bid to topple the government of President Gloria Arroyo but is leaving the matter to the national police.
The national police on Thursday confirmed the fresh attempt to overthrow the government as five of the suspects faced inquest proceedings on several charges including plans to stage a coup.
“The case obviously involves national-security issues, hence, we are constantly monitoring the developments,” Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said in a statement.
“The trajectory of the legal action will be determined by the quantum of evidence available. Meanwhile, we urge sobriety and respect for due process, so that this matter will be resolved justly, peacefully and expeditiously,” he added.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro put at “zero” the chances of a coup succeeding at this time. He described the alleged plotters as a low-level threat.
When asked if the new plot could be connected with the coming State of the Nation Address of the President, Teodoro said it is possible because the police could have anticipated the plot.
The Defense chief added that it is also possible that Homobono Adaza’s group might have some connection with other anti-government groups.
Police manhuntDirector General Avelino Razon Jr., the chief of the national police, said they are chasingafter other plotters. Lawyer and former lawmaker Adaza and four military and police officers—Army Lt. Col. Oscarlito Mapalo, retired Colonels Ernie Amboy and Cesar dela Peña and police Supt. Rafael Cardeno—all allegedly the brains behind the plot had been arrested. Razon said they are looking into possible involvement of other members of the military.
Retired Col. Edgardo Tapia and several John Does and Jane Does who remain at large are also facing similar charges.
Adaza is the lawyer for Marine Col. Ariel Querubin, one of the 28 military officers facing military court-martial for their involvement in the alleged February 2006 coup attempt. Mapalo and Amboy were also implicated in the 2004 destabilization plot.
Coup fundraiserAdaza was reportedly soliciting $4 million from a Japanese businessman through Adaza’s OMT Security Services Inc. “in order to finance a coup d’etat.” The plot was supposed to be organized by Adaza’s “friends in the military,” according to reports.
“They said the Japanese [businessman] has to come up with [the $4 million], otherwise they will kill two Filipinos and pin the blame on my client,” said Raymond Fortun, lawyer for the unnamed businessman. Fortun was a former lawyer for former President Joseph Estrada.
Adaza denied the charge, calling his accuser “a pathological liar.”
During a television interview, he also threatened to sue the businessman over the allegations and his subsequent arrest.
More on AdazaAdaza was a prominent opposition figure in the 1980s in the legislature and later served as an Immigration commissioner in the administration of former President Fidel Ramos.
In recent years, he was connected with opposition groups against President Arroyo, who has successfully quashed two mutinies by military factions and three impeachment attempts since coming to power in 2001.
Adaza is also facing charges of obstruction of justice for allegedly harboring a fugitive, Cardeño, who was wanted for the murder of Young Officers Union spokesman Baron Cervantes in 2001.
Cardeño is charged with using fictitious names to conceal his identity. He is said to have used “Randy Linares” as one of his aliases.
Adaza said he is incapable of staging a coup. He added the officers arrested with him were either retired or on AWOL (absent without leave).
Special Prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco, who presided over the inquest proceedings, said prosecutors would still look into the merits of all the complaints filed against Adaza and his companions.
During the inquest, Adaza demanded that their handcuffs be removed since there were several police officers around the area.
Velasco, however, declined the request, saying he would leave security arrangements to the national police.
After the inquest proceedings, Cardeño was transferred to the Las Piñas Regional Trial Court Branch 275. Judge Bonifacio Maceda served an arrest warrant against him.
Dela Peña was ordered to show up at the Sandiganbayan for hearing of a case filed against him.
All of them, except for Adaza, would stay at their designated detention center in the headquarters of the national police.
“In consideration of his age,” Adaza would stay at a hospital after complaining of experiencing high blood pressure the night of his arrest Wednesday.
Manila Times (July 4, 2008) -- Angelo S. Samonte, Maricel V. Cruz, Jefferson Antiporda, James Konstantin Galvez, Sammy Martin and Francis Earl A. Cueto 
December 23rd 2017, 4:01 pm by James307
Subject: New Coup Plot 
