2006 state of emergency in the Philippines
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The Philippines was under a state of emergency, announced by presidential spokesperson Ignacio Bunye on the morning of February 24, 2006, by the virtue of Proclamation No. 1017. This occurred after the government claimed that it foiled an alleged coup d'état attempt against the rule of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo earlier that same day. State security services also claimed that it had arrested a general who was involved in the coup attempt. President Arroyo lifted the state of emergency on March 3, 2006, by the virtue of Proclamation No. 1021.
The state of national emergency also led to a temporary suspension of lower-level education classes and an immediate revocation on all
President Arroyo assured Filipinos that the situation was under control[1] and the state of emergency would not be abused.[2]
Arroyo had justified the declaration of a state of emergency with her statement of "clear and present danger to our Republic that we have discovered and thwarted." Critics claimed that this was an attempt by Arroyo to seize
On March 3, 2006 (one week after the proclamation), by the virtue of Proclamation No. 1021, the President lifted the state of emergency.
Previous incidents
The coup attempt follows the 2003
This also comes after
This led to a drop at the president's
Timeline of events leading up to the proclamation
Oplan HACKLE | |||||||
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| |||||||
Belligerents | |||||||
New Peoples Army |
Philippine Government | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Brigadier Gen. Danilo Lim Various Magdalo Leaders Communist leaders |
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz General Generoso S. Senga |
The coup was first reported when 14 junior military officers were arrested for plotting a coup on February 22. Around midnight of the 24th, many military vehicles were seen entering
Former President Joseph Estrada was awoken by the police around 3:00 a.m. in San Juan Medical Center and was ordered to return to his resthouse in Tanay, Rizal. He did not follow the request of the police, because it has no authority from the Sandiganbayan, which was trying him on corruption charges. He said that "Magkakamatayan kami" (over my dead body). His eye operation succeeded despite the political unrest within Metro Manila.
Hours later, large
Arroyo claimed that the coup was a plan between right-wing factions in the military and leftist anarchists, a highly questionable claim since it has been pointed out that both sides have fought each other in the past, and would make unlikely allies.[6]
By mid-morning, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared a moratorium on all school activities from elementary to college level, issued through the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education. Around 11:25 a.m., Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 1017 on national television, placing the entire nation under a state of emergency in an attempt to quell the rebellion — sparking fears that it could lead to the introduction of martial law. General Order No. 5 was issued by the President to implement Proclamation No. 1017, ordering the Armed Forces of the Philippines to "maintain the peace and order of the country and to protect it from terrorism or chaos."[7]
The Proclamation effectively cancelled all rally permits everywhere, and according to interpretations by the Arroyo administration, legalized arrest without a warrant.
Events after the proclamation
The
central business district.On the other side of EDSA, protesters led by
Around 3:30 p.m. demonstrators from different sectors gathered around at the Ninoy Aquino Monument in
Military movements
On the morning of February 26, the Armed Forces denied the
Fort Bonifacio crisis
At around 6:00 p.m. on February 26 Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda was either relieved from his position as Commandant of the
The Armed Forces implemented countermeasures, such as blocking Lawton Avenue (the main road to the Fort) from possible protesters, turning off the lights in the Fort, and deploying loyalist troops. However, former President Corazon Aquino, former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Jr., Senator
That evening, Capt. Geronimo said that the crisis was over. The newly appointed Commandant of Philippine Marine Corps, Brig. Gen. Nelson Allaga, assumed control of all the marines, and Querubin was later discharged from the services, bidding his comrades goodbye in
After the crisis, most people in front of Fort Bonifacio left,[18] and as a response Malacañang suspended classes on all levels the following day,.[19] Col. Querubin was relieved from his position as commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, with Lt. Col. Luisito Marcelino as his temporary replacement.[20][21]
Arrests
After the
Police next unsuccessfully tried to arrest Bayan Muna Party-list Representative Satur Ocampo. The former chief of the Philippine Constabulary and former national security adviser to former President Fidel V. Ramos retired General Ramon Montaño, was also arrested by the police.[23][24] He was charged with inciting sedition, while former Police General Rex Piad was also arrested, but it was later revealed that there was no evidence to support the act.
"Batasan 5"
On that same day, the PNP–CIDG filed cases against 51 alleged communists, including five party-list representatives (Beltrán, Ocampo,
Freedom of the press
During a state of emergency, the government could control public utilities, which includes media, according to the constitution. Gonzalez assured Filipinos that the government would not use these powers unnecessarily. However, there were reports that the Arroyo government suppressed the freedom of the press.
On February 25, the
There were also reports that the military surrounded the ABS-CBN compound in Mother Ignacia, Diliman, Quezon City. However, they left the premises hours later.
Samahang Plaridel,[31] National Union of Journalists of the Philippines,[32] and Committee to Protect Journalists expressed disappointment with Proclamation No. 1017, calling it a suppression of press freedom.
Lifting of the proclamation
On March 1, Ash Wednesday, Arroyo has stated that she will lift the "state of emergency" soon, perhaps by the end of the first week of March. The President gives a 24- to 72-hour time frame to the Secretary of Justice, Secretary of National Defense, and to the Chief of Philippine National Police to give reports to her before lifting the state of emergency.[33][34][35]
On March 3, by the virtue of Proclamation No. 1021, the Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo officially concluded state of emergency in the Philippines. The state of emergency (Proclamation No. 1017) lasted one week since February 24, 2006. According to her, the state of emergency protected major democratic institutions and even the media.[36][37][38] This led to lowering of security alerts of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Reactions
Anti-Arroyo
A number of observers have drawn parallels between the actions of President Arroyo and those of Ferdinand Marcos. Benito Lim, Professor of Political Science at the University of the Philippines, stated, "This is suppression of all freedom. It is in violation of the constitution and the bill of rights. This is the beginning of using stronger measures to quell dissent against the government. Their justification is reminiscent of Marcos when he proclaimed martial law."[39]
On February 24, 2006, the Philippine National Police violently dispersed protesters from EDSA. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines denounced the violence, and advised the President to be calm in handling the protests.[40][41][42] Archbishop Oscar Cruz of Dagupan and other bishops were not happy of the proclamation from the President stating that the Philippines is under a state of emergency,[43] however the CBCP wants the people to be vigilant of the situation.[44]
Former President Ramos said that he was disappointed of the declaration of state of emergency to just prevent an uprising of a small faction of the military, saying it was overkill. The former President described his cold relationship to President Arroyo as "Waning, waning."[45]
Former President Joseph Estrada appealed to Arroyo to remove the declaration of State of Emergency as it will not benefit most of the people in the country. He also condemns "baseless arrests" and the alleged dictatorship rule.[46]
Fernando Poe, Jr.'s widow Susan Roces said that last week, President Arroyo said that she is the best President of the country, "Is this the best?" Roces is referring to the speech of Arroyo regarding a meeting with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) saying: "And let me also make clear: I believe I am the best person to lead this nation through this transition. I was elected to make difficult decisions, and I have made them. Not without mistakes on my part, and certainly not without significant criticism. But I have the experience of hindsight, and I aim to fulfill my term with a steady hand on the helm."[47]
The
Pro-Arroyo
In the statement of Presidential Spokesperson Sec. Ignacio Bunye, he said that "The actions of the government have been well calibrated and there is no overkill... Had the President not acted as she did, we would now be under a rightist-communist junta."[49]
Vice President Noli de Castro affirmed President Arroyo's declaration. He said, "I respect the right of the President to declare a state of emergency in order to preserve the peace, maintain law and order, and ensure the protection of human rights and civil liberties of the people for as long as there is imminent threat to public safety."[This quote needs a citation]
However, on March 1, 2006, de Castro wants to remove the state of emergency since "there is no more emergency", according to him.[50][51]
Legalities
The President cited Article 7 Section 18 of the Constitution which states that: "The President…whenever necessary... may call out the armed forces to prevent or suppress... rebellion..." and Article 12 Section 17 of the Constitution which states that: "In times of national emergency, when the public interest so requires, the State may, during the emergency and under reasonable terms prescribed by it, temporarily take over or direct the operations of privately owned public utilities or business affected with public interest." Sec. Gonzalez of the Department of Justice said that the government had not yet reached that point.[52]
Lawyers question Proclamation No. 1017 stating that the whole nation is under State of Emergency and other actions of the government in the Supreme Court of the Philippines by issuing multiple petitions.[53][54]
Court Martial
Days after the lifting of the declaration of a state of emergency, several Scout Ranger officers, including Lamitan Hero, Army Captain Ruben Guinolbay, were ordered investigated and detained.[55]
Eventually, 25 Scout Rangers officers were arrested but were charged only on August 2, 2006, after several months in detention.[56] Also charged were several Marine officers allegedly involved in the Fort Bonifacio incident.
Those charged were Brigadier General Danilo Lim, Lieutenant Colonels Nestor Flordeliza and Edmundo Malabanjot; Majors Jason Aquino, and Jose Leomar Doctolero; Captains James Sababan, Montano Almodovar, Joey Fontiveros, Ruben Guinolbay, Isagani Criste, William Upano, Dante Langkit, Allan Aurino, and Frederick Sales; and First Lieutenants Ervin Divinagracia, Jacon Cordero, Homer Estolas, Sandro Sereno and Richiemel Caballes of the Philippine Army Scout Rangers. The indicted Marine officers are Major General Renato Miranda, Medal of Valor awardees Col. Ariel Querubin, Lt. Col. Custodio Parcon; Colonels Orlando de Leon, Januario Caringal and Armando Bañez; Lieutenant Colonels Valentin Hizon, Romulo Gualdrapa, and Achilles Segumalian; Maj. Francisco Domingo Fernandez; and 1Lt. Belinda Ferrer.
The pretrial investigation panel formed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, conducted by the Judge Advocate General's Office and headed by Col. Al Pereras recommended the dismissal of the charge of mutiny but the retention of charges for conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman for a few of the detained officers. All charges against Capt. Guinolbay were recommended dismissed.[57] The same however, was overturned by Chief of Staff Hermogenes Esperon, allegedly upon the recommendation of the Staff Judge Advocate, even as Marine Lt. Cols Valentin Hizon and Romulo Gualdrapa were dropped as accused by Gen. Esperon's exercise of discretion.[58]
See also
- Hello Garci scandal
- Oakwood mutiny
- Martial Law in the Philippines
- Proclamation No. 55
- People Power Revolution
References
- ^ PGMA says situation is well under control Archived June 30, 2006, at the Wayback Machine Office of the Press Secretary. February 24, 2006
- ^ Proclamation 1017 will never be abused - Palace Archived June 30, 2006, at the Wayback Machine Office of the Press Secretary. February 25, 2006
- ^ Satisfaction with the President Archived February 6, 2006, at the Wayback Machine Social Weather Stations. February 25, 2006
- Philippine Star. February 24, 2006
- The Daily Tribune. February 24, 2006
- Chron.comFebruary 24, 2006
- ^ Tinawagan ni PGMA ang AFP na pairalin ang mga batas at sugpuin ang mga kaguluhan at ligalig Archived February 27, 2006, at the Wayback Machine Balitang Malacañang. February 25, 2006
- ABS-CBN Interactive. February 24, 2006
- ABS-CBN Interactive. February 24, 2006
- ABS-CBN Interactive. February 26, 2006
- ^ Head of Philippine marines relieved of duty NBC News February 26, 2006
- The Daily TribuneFebruary 27, 2006
- ABS-CBN Interactive. February 26, 2006
- INQ7.net. February 26, 2006
- ABS-CBN InteractiveFebruary 26, 2006
- INQ7.net. February 26, 2006
- ABS-CBN Interactive. February 27, 2006
- INQ7.net. February 26, 2006
- INQ7.netFebruary 26, 2006
- ABS-CBN Interactive. March 1, 2006
- INQ7.net. March 1, 2006
- ^ "Filipinos mark "people power" under emergency rule" Reuters. February 25, 2006.
- ABS-CBN Interactive. February 25, 2006
- INQ7.netFebruary 25, 2006
- ^ Four party-list representatives among 51 persons linked to conspiracy to oust PGMA Archived June 30, 2006, at the Wayback Machine Office of the Press Secretary. February 27, 2006
- ABS-CBN Interactive. February 27, 2006
- ^ INQ7.NET
- ABS-CBN Interactive. February 25, 2006
- INQ7.net. February 25, 2006
- The Daily Tribune. February 26, 2006
- ABS-CBN Interactive. February 27, 2006
- ABS-CBN Interactive. February 27, 2006
- ^ PGMA's Message on the possible early lifting of Proclamation 1017 Archived September 30, 2007, at the Wayback Machine Office of the Press Secretary. March 1, 2006
- ^ Proclamation 1017 will be lifted as soon as possible, says PGMA Archived February 28, 2006, at the Wayback Machine Office of the Press Secretary. March 1, 2006
- ABS-CBN Interactive. March 1, 2006
- ^ Proclamation No. 1021 Archived September 28, 2007, at the Wayback Machine Office of the Press Secretary. March 3, 2006
- ^ PGMA's Statement on the lifting of Proclamation 1017 Archived September 30, 2007, at the Wayback Machine Office of the Press Secretary. March 3, 2006
- ^ PGMA's Statement on the lifting of Proclamation 1017 (English version) Archived May 25, 2006, at the Wayback Machine Office of the Press Secretary. March 3, 2006
- ^ "Manila's Arroyo declares emergency rule" Reuters. February 24, 2006.
- ^ Call to Patriotism Archived February 9, 2006, at the Wayback Machine Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines February 24, 2006
- ^ GMA's state of emergency draws concern from the Church Archived June 27, 2006, at the Wayback Machine Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines February 24, 2006
- The Daily Tribune. February 25, 2006
- ABS-CBN Interactive. February 28, 2006
- ABS-CBN Interactive. February 28, 2006
- ^ "FVR's support for Arroyo 'waning'". GMA News Online. February 25, 2006. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
- The Daily Tribune. February 27, 2006
- ^ PGMA's Speech during the meeting with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) Archived April 13, 2006, at the Wayback Machine Office of the Press Secretary February 21, 2006
- ^ FSC Letter to the Philippine Lasallian Family De La Salle University. February 28, 2006
- ^ Statement of Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye: No Overkill Archived December 3, 2007, at the Wayback Machine Office of the President February 26, 2006
- ABS-CBN Interactive. March 1, 2006
- INQ7.net. March 1, 2006
- ^ Declaration of State of National Emergency authorized by Charter Archived June 30, 2006, at the Wayback Machine Office of the Press Secretary. February 24, 2006
- ABS-CBN Interactive. February 27, 2006
- ^ Coup tension eases but Arroyo faces legal challenge Archived June 20, 2005, at the Wayback Machine Reuters. February 26, 2006
- ^ 25 soldiers linked to coup plot detained Ranger officers linked to coup plot[permanent dead link]
- ^ 26 military officers in coup plot charged Archived October 26, 2007, at the Wayback Machine.
- ^ "Esperon mum on reversal of recommendation to clear Lim, others". Malaya. Archived from the original on November 30, 2001. Retrieved August 12, 2007.
- ^ "No pitch for mutiny raps vs 'coup plotters'--military chief". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved August 12, 2007.
External links
- Office of the Press Secretary Online: PGMA declares a State of National Emergency
- The Daily Tribune: Without Fear or Favor Archived December 21, 2021, at the Wayback Machine
- The Official Website of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines – CBCP online
- BBC: Emergency declared in Philippines
- INQ7: Arroyo declares state of emergency
- Guardian: State of emergency in Philippines
- IFEX: Media targeted under state of emergency - IFEX