Plot to Bring Marcos Back Alleged : Kidnap of Aquino, Others Part of Plan, Defense Chief Says

Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile today claimed that the military uncovered a plot by Ferdinand E. Marcos’ supporters to kidnap President Corazon Aquino, seize the presidential palace and restore Marcos to power.

Speaking before a group of businessmen’s wives, Enrile likened the alleged plan to a movie scenario.

Waving what he described as a well-documented intelligence report before television cameras, he said the plot called for the seizure of the Malacanang presidential palace, communications centers and nine military camps around Manila.

Armed Commandos

Under the plan, 44 civilian and military figures, including Vice President Salvador Laurel, Armed Forces Chief Gen. Fidel Ramos and Enrile himself were to be abducted by armed commandos in “an early morning blitz or lightning assault,” the defense minister said.

Enrile said the plan called for Aquino and other leaders to be held hostage in Marcos’ home province of Ilocos Norte until the deposed leader returned from Hawaii, where he fled in February after a civilian-backed military revolt swept Aquino to power.

Loyalist leader Nicanor Yniguez, former National Assembly Speaker, said he was unaware of such a plot.

“I cannot see why all disturbances are blamed on the loyalists,” Yniguez said. “The next typhoon will be blamed on the loyalists.”

Yniguez is among two dozen people facing rebellion charges for joining a loyalist takeover of a downtown hotel during a 38-hour revolt last month. Aquino subsequently banned pro-Marcos demonstrations in the capital.

Fled After Insurgency

Marcos, who ruled the Philippines for 20 years, fled to Hawaii Feb. 26.

Enrile mentioned the alleged plot for the first time during a presidential Cabinet meeting Wednesday but gave no details. Local Governments Minister Aquilino Pimentel had said Aquino was amused by the information.

Enrile did not say from whom he got the document on which he based his information. He said the military was trying to identify the people involved and that if the plot is confirmed, “we will undertake counteraction.”