Six held for 'inciting rebellion' in RP

Six held for 'inciting rebellion' in RP

PHILIPPINES: Six Philippine military officers have been arrested for inciting rebellion against President Gloria Arroyo's government, officials said on Thursday.

The six, who have been detained by the Philippine army, were part of a group within the armed forces who appeared on television late on Wednesday demanding the resignation of Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita.

The group accused the defense secretary of spying on Arroyo's rivals for the presidential election in May, as well as "consolidating efforts so that the forthcoming elections will not push through as scheduled".

Ermita said the group had violated the chain of command and could be liable for violating articles of war by attacking Arroyo, who as president is also the commander-in-chief of the 130,000-strong armed forces.

"When you urge the people to turn against the government or any duly constituted authority, that is inciting to rebellion and we are now looking at what legal grounds to use against them," Ermita told AFP.

"These people are trying to paint an unstable situation for their own purposes," Ermita said. "The ongoing investigation is to find out the extent of their activities and if there are others involved in the destabilization plot." -- AFP