Philippine Commies Praise Coup Attempt, Deny Role

Communists Praise Coup Attempt, Deny Role

Communist guerrillas in the Philippines Saturday issued a statement praising last month's failed military uprising in the country, while denying they had any role in the attempted mutiny.

National police chief Avelino Razon said Tuesday that police are investigating possible links between the coup plotters and leftist guerrillas.

Coup plotters seized control of the luxury Peninsula Hotel November 29th and demanded the resignation of President Gloria Arroyo. Government forces smashed into the hotel in an armored personnel carrier to end the incident.

Government officials have suggested a connection to the communists because one of the people detained at the hotel was a woman believed to be an associate of Jose Maria Sison, a founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

The communists' statement praised the alleged coup leaders for trying to oust President Arroyo, but said they were "over optimistic" that their actions would inspire a widespread uprising among the Philippine people and military.

The coup plotters went to the hotel after walking away from a courthouse where they were facing charges for a similar coup attempt in 2003.

The Department of Justice has charged former Vice President Teofisto Guigone, Senator Antonio Trillanes and 34 other dissident officers with attempting to overthrow the government of Mrs. Arroyo.

ENDS

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