Philippine police investigate alleged coup plot

Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) continue to investigate the latest involvement of a former lawmaker and some personalities to alleged plans for a coup d'etat.

Although officials say they have not monitored any attempt to undermine the government ranks of both the military and police services, the investigations are going on.

"We have not monitored any activity that will indicate an attempt, but we are looking closely at the activities of Homobono Adaza and other personalities whom we have charged for alleged Proposal to Commit Coup d'Etat," according to PNP Spokesman Nicanor Bartolome.

He said efforts are underway to account for another accused to give investigators a complete picture of the case.

He maintained that collaborative efforts by the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are relentless against any possible attempt at destabilisation.

Vigilance

Bartolome said what was manifested in the arrest of opposition lawyer Homobono Adaza and four others last Wednesday is "the collaborative vigilance among security forces from AFP and PNP against possible destabilisers."

"In this case, there is a complaint on a specific allegation and the PNP has acted on it with the arrest of the personalities involved and the filing of criminal charges in court," he explained.

According to a complaint filed by lawyer Raymund Fortun, Adaza and several incumbent and former military officers had cooked up a plan to overthrow the government of President Gloria Arroyo.

Among the co-conspirators in the plan was Colonel Oscarlito Mapalo, who was turned-over to the custody of the military Friday.

Three other co-accused, ex-superintendent Rafael Cardeno, and retired Colonels Ernie Amboy and Cesar dela Pena remain detained at the PNP Custodial Centre.