RP names new defense chief

Wed, 24 Sep 2003, 00:00 WIB | 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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