Japan Trip On Despite Threats of Coup--Aquino
President Corazon Aquino said the army was on full alert today but reports that disgruntled officers were planning a coup would not interfere with her visit to Japan next week.
She told reporters she intended to discuss the reports of a plot with Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, one of her chief critics, and government sources said they met a few hours later. No details were revealed.
A senior adviser to Aquino said the latest coup speculation gained credence when Gen. Fidel V. Ramos, chief of the armed forces, ordered his subordinate commanders to stop any “military adventurists” from acting against the government.
The adviser, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the rumors were “causing concern” at the presidential palace. Aquino is to leave for Japan on Monday.
Military checkpoints were set up on several major roads, including one outside the presidential offices.
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