Coup Leader Willing to Be Interviewed--for $20,000
Exclusive interviews with the leader of last month’s attempt to overthrow the Philippine government were offered to news organizations Monday for a $20,000 fee.
Col. Gregorio (Gringo) Honasan, the 39-year-old leader of the Aug. 28 attempted coup, is in hiding and is thought to be somewhere in the mountainous north of the country. The military has said it has mounted a massive manhunt for him.
The interview offer was conveyed verbally to international news and television organizations through Phil Brazil, a broadcaster on the popular Manila radio station DZRH.
The validity of the offer could not be verified.
DZRH on Saturday carried a taped statement by Honasan--the first public comment he has made since he fled by helicopter just before loyal troops recaptured army headquarters from the rebels. The station said the tape was delivered to its offices.
Brazil declined to give details of his contacts with Honasan.
“That’s my secret,” he told a reporter.
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