Coup Plotters Meant to ‘Bump Off’ Aquino, Spokesman Says

The military rebels who plotted against President Corazon Aquino planned eventually to “bump her off,” the government said today.

It also said Aquino will accept resignations from “between two and four people” in a Cabinet purge that began with the sacking of Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile.

Presidential spokesman Teodoro Benigno said 180 politicians allied with ousted 20-year-ruler Ferdinand E. Marcos and a small group of officers identified with Enrile had plotted a power grab Saturday before they were “checkmated.” (Story, Page 12.)

He said the plans were to reconvene the abolished Parliament and name Marcos’ speaker, Nicanor Yniguez, as acting president or nullify the proclamation of Marcos as winner of the Feb. 7 election while pledging allegiance to the Aquino government.

“But that was just a ploy. Eventually their target was to bump her off,” Benigno said.

He said the coup attempt “never got off the ground” because its ranks had been infiltrated. He said Enrile’s role, if any, was unclear.

But Enrile’s replacement, Gen. Rafael Ileto, today declared: “I have no hard evidence of a plot.”

Ileto said his ministry was making an informal investigation, adding: “Anybody can write a plan. South American generals even make a profession of it, but you have to execute it.”

Enrile was ousted as defense chief Sunday as part of a major overhaul of the government in which Aquino demanded the resignations of all Cabinet members. Enrile’s resignation was the only one she accepted, although Benigno said Aquino may announce action this week on others.

Asked how many will go, Benigno replied: “Probably between two and four. . . . That’s the most.”

“What is confirmed,” Benigno told reporters, is that “a manager resembling what is a chief of staff in the White House will eventually be named.”

Benigno, while he was careful not to accuse Enrile of any wrongdoing, blasted some of the former minister’s officers, saying they were a small but vocal group that “frightened the country” and aimed to take power.

He added that now that Enrile is gone, action can be taken against them.

“One of the daggers aimed at the heart of the government has finally been removed,” Benigno said.

The spokesman told a news conference that the military will be given a free reign in its battle against communist guerrillas unless the rebels agree to a cease-fire within a week.

“If there is no agreement within the time limit set by the president, she will simply come to the conclusion there is no way of negotiating a cease-fire with them. The doors (will be) closed,” he said.

In Washington, President Reagan today declared his strong support for Aquino’s efforts to resolve her nation’s “security and political situation and to put her country on a firm economic footing.”

“We are hoping all parties will focus on the severe economic and security problems facing the country and will unite behind Mrs. Aquino in resolving them,” a White House statement said. “She enjoys strong international support.”

Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Fidel V. Ramos today said the military is “collectively saddened” by Enrile’s resignation.

Ramos and Enrile helped oust Marcos in the popular military revolt that brought Aquino to power Feb. 25.