Philippines: Communists and Coup Plotters and Corruption

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April 27, 2006: In the capital, police seized a supply of explosives and other bomb making equipment, apparently thwarting a bombing attempt by Islamic terrorists, or communist rebels. It was unclear at this point.

A two star general was sentenced to two years in prison for corruption. The government has, like the last few governments, promised to crack down on corruption. There have been a few prosecutions, like this one. But bribery and theft are still common among civil and military government officials. This is a cause of much unhappiness among the people, and provides support for various rebel organizations.

April 25, 2006: Prosecutors have charged 49 current and former government officials with rebellion, for participating in an unsuccessful attempted coup against president Gloria Arroyo earlier this year.

April 24, 2006: Abu Sayyaf leader Shari Amiruddin was arrested in the south. Amiruddin led a successful kidnapping operation five years ago, that resulted in an American captive getting killed. Amiruddin has been on the run ever since.

April 22, 2006: NPA rebels attacked an army camp in the central Philippines, and were repulsed, losing at least ten dead. One soldier was killed.