Philippines - Rebel soldiers seize Manila hotel - Police ready to storm building

inquirer.net ^ | November 29, 2007

[HAL9000]

(UPDATE 11) ‘Our military operation has started’--Barias

MANILA, Philippines -- Operations to flush out the group of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV from the Manila Peninsula hotel in Makati City have begun, Police Director Geary Barias of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said.

“Our military operation has started; it’s ongoing,” Barias told reporters from his position outside the hotel.

He said Marines and Navy troops, as well as police commandos, have entered the hotel from the fountain area at the rear, along Ayala Avenue.

A Marines tank is headed for the fountain area of the hotel from the direction of the Landmark mall.

Three large ambulances and several smaller emergency vehicles have also arrived and are parked at the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Just a few minutes ago, successive bursts of what sounded like gunfire were heard as government forces took up positions outside the hotel in preparation to serve a warrant of arrest on Trillanes and several officers being tried for plotting to toppled the government.

“We are ready to move. We will effect the warrant of arrest,” Barias said as he walked along the stretch of Makati Avenue, clapping his hands and shouting, “Let’s go, let’s go,” to several armored personnel carriers deployed on the intersection with Ayala Avenue.

Asked if they were entering the hotel, Barias replied: “Definitely.”

"We are ready to go at any time," Barias told reporters outside the hotel, where at least two armored personnel carriers had taken up position.

~ snip ~

[HAL9000]

Some Americans are reportedly trapped in the hotel.

[rineaux]

NO KIDDING. Stayed there about 3 months ago. I know another freeper was heading there after the explosion at the mall across the street.

Will be there for Christmas too. Well staying at the Shangra La.

Have to take off so will read entire article when I get back.

[Cindy]

ON THE INTERNET:

http://www.sundalo.bravehost.com/Index.htm

[HAL9000]

November 29, 2007

U.S. EMBASSY STATEMENT ON MAKATI INCIDENT

The United States and the Philippines are long time democratic allies, and the U.S. Embassy wishes to take this opportunity to reiterate our government’s support for the rule of law, constitutional order and the government of the Philippines. Ambassador Kenney has spoken with officials at Malacanang Palace to reiterate our confidence that this incident is being swiftly and peacefully resolved by the Philippine National Police, supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, in accordance with Philippine law.

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[Cindy]

Comments here:

http://sunstar.com.ph/specials/makati/index.php

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http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/net/2007/11/29/coup.suspects.defy.police.deadline..html

Thursday, November 29, 2007
Coup suspects defy police deadline

“MANILA (6th update, 4:10 p.m.)”

[Cindy]

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_999.html
Travel.State.Gov - Consular Information Sheet: Philippines

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http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2190.html

Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

This information is current as of today, Thu Nov 29 2007 01:05:43 GMT-0800 (PST).

PHILIPPINES

April 27, 2007

[HAL9000]

&

(UPDATE 13) Tear gas lobbed, shots fired at hotel lobby

INQUIRER.net
Last updated 05:02pm (Mla time) 11/29/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- Government troops threw tear gas at the lobby of the Manila Peninsula Hotel where Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and his supporters have been holed up since Thursday morning, according to INQUIRER.net reporter Thea Alberto.

An Armored Personnel Carrier fired shots towards the hotel, according to INQUIRER.net Joel Guinto.

Before this, Trillanes berated the administration for its “ruthlessness.”

“Tingnan niyo yung ginagawa nitong administrasyon [Look at this administration], you have to witness their ruthlessness…they're even ready not to spare the lives of mediamen,” said Trillanes.

Operations to flush out the group of Trillanes from the Manila Peninsula hotel in Makati City have begun, Police Director Geary Barias of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said.

From the hotel, continuous shots could be heard, according to another Guinto and Alberto.

But a rebel soldier said these were just warning shots and was confident that the government troops won’t attack because the media was there.

;a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=103771">more...

 

 

  Get out of the way, media.

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Inquirer.net - Tank barges through hotel entrance

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gmanews.tv -

Armored personnel carrier storms into The Pen's lobby

11/29/2007 | 05:07 PM

An armored personnel carrier crashed into the tear-gas filled lobby of the Manila Peninsula Hotel around 5:05 p.m. and troops began storming the building, television footage showed.

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gmanews.tv -

Trillanes, Lim call it quits

11/29/2007 | 05:13 PM

Shortly after an armored personnel carrier rammed into the Manila Peninsula lobby, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and Brigadier Gen. Danilo Lim decided to turn themselves over to arresting authorities.

A television news report quoted Trillanes and Lim made the decision to avoid loss of lives. -

[Cindy]

Thanks for those updates Hal.

[HAL9000]

Likewise, thanks for your updates too.

[Cindy]

You’re welcome.

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Thanks for these reports. Who is this “Senator Trillane” and what group does he represent? And does this mean the Peninsula Hotel has shut down? And were any of the guests there injured? Thanks!

[DesertSapper]

I remember the area well. I lived in Makati for 2.5 years in the mid-80’s. Actually only a few blocks from the Peninsula Hotel.