Mutineers Claim Seizure of Philippine Air Force HQ

Mutinous troops claimed today to have seized the headquarters of the Philippine air force and appeared to be in control of two broadcast stations in a bid to topple President Corazon Aquino.

The government called on all mayors to mobilize local police forces to defend the Aquino administration.

In an emotional radio appeal, in which he said he was on his knees, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jaime Sin urged his countrymen “to support the duly constituted authority.”

It was not immediately clear how widespread the mutiny was or whether it had the power to topple the government. Loyalist troops took up positions around the palace, where Aquino has her residence and offices.

Defense Secretary Fidel V. Ramos said the coup attempt began when two companies of mutinous Marines tried to enter Villamor Air Base, headquarters of the Philippine air force, in the southern suburbs of Manila.

He claimed that they were blocked by loyalist troops. But air force troops who had been guarding the gate left about 2 a.m., and the mutinous marines took over security at the base perimeter.

It appeared that no shots had been fired.

One marine captain, who refused to give his name, said about 2,000 troops are taking part in the mutiny. Air force troops sealed off the adjacent domestic airport and refused to let passengers enter the terminal.

Two truckloads of soldiers, wearing white bands and carrying red flags, were seen entering the government radio and television station and the adjacent private ABS-CBN station at about 2 a.m. They appeared to be mutineers.

At the state television station, scattered shooting broke out. Soldiers kept reporters away from the area, and it was impossible to determine whether mutineers or government troops were in control.

The soldiers who entered the state-run station were wearing the same white armbands and carrying the same red flags as the mutineers at Villamor. The significance of the red and white colors was not immediately apparent.