Lim-Trillanes takeover of Makati hotel is “irresponsible, reckless” act, defense and police officials say

By Ronron
November 29, 2007

The takeover of a high-end hotel in Makati City on Thursday morning by Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV were described by officials from the defense and police establishments as “irresponsible and reckless.”

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City that Lim and Trillanes’ actions were illegal because they disregarded the judicial process, and the safety of civilians and tourists at a private hotel.

“On behalf of the Armed Forces establishment, we condemn the incident … as illegal, criminal and reckless act,” Teodoro said.

Teodoro said the “adventurism” of Lim and Trillanes and other Magdalo soldiers could fall within the violative acts of “sedition, inciting to rebellion, rebellion, or obstruction of justice.”

“On our end, we reiterate that we shall not let this incident pass and we will deal with it decisively,” he said.

Aside from the criminal liabilities, Teodoro said Trillanes could also risk his seat at the Senate if he will be charged before the Senate Ethics Committee.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said it seems that Lim and Trillanes are already afraid that they will be found guilty of the charges they are currently facing, thus their attempt to grab power.

“This is a last minute desperate act on their part,” he said.

As part of the security preparations, the Philippine National Police (PNP) was placed on full alert nationwide at 11 am. The AFP followed the same move at 12 noon.

Lim, Trillanes and the other participants at the takeover of the Manila Peninsula Hotel were already apprehended on Thursday night and taken to the National Capital Region Police Office headquarters in Bicutan, Taguig City./DMS