RP names new defense chief

Wed, 24 Sep 2003 | Source: REUTERS

PHILIPPINES: Eduardo Ermita, the chief Philippine government negotiator in peace talks with Muslim rebels, will be the country's new defense secretary, presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye told reporters on Tuesday.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has held the defense portfolio since Angelo Reyes quit on Aug. 29 with a warning of a well-funded plot to undermine her government in the run-up to elections in May 2004.

Arroyo's administration peacefully put down an uprising by several hundred rogue troops in July. -- Reuters

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