Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, March 5, 1990 TAG: 9003052196
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A/6 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: MANILA, PHILIPPINES LENGTH: Medium
A general and at least 13 other people were killed in Sunday's fighting, which broke out after suspended Gov. Rodolfo Aguinaldo refused to surrender.
Aguinaldo, who fled during Sunday's fighting in Cagayan province, was indicted last week on charges of rebellion and murder in connection with the bid to topple President Corazon Aquino that claimed 113 lives.
Today, officials ordered the arrest of three mayors, one village chief and a lawyer for supporting Aguinaldo.
In Tuguegarao, capital of Cagayan 250 miles north of Manila, government forces conducted house-to-house searches today but failed to locate Aguinaldo. Sporadic firing continued until late morning and tension in the city was high.
Aquino told reporters today she ordered the armed forces to arrest Aguinaldo "using such force as is necessary but taking all feasible measures for the safety of civilians."
Among the dead in Sunday's fighting was Brig. Gen. Oscar Florendo, sent to Tuguegarao to negotiate with Aguinaldo. He was among officials trapped in a hotel seized by Aguinaldo supporters, who Aquino said killed Florendo before fleeing the hotel.
"The act of cowardice and treachery of Aguinaldo's followers will not go unpunished," Aquino said after those trapped in the hotel were freed.
Casualty figures were incomplete, but regional commander Col. Miguel Fontanilla said at least 14 people died, including 10 killed during a clash at a checkpoint near a bridge, three in fighting near a gasoline station and Florendo at the hotel, he said.
The decision to arrest Aguinaldo has been widely seen here as part of the government's effort to display strength in cracking down on those suspected of involvement in the six armed attempts to topple Aquino since she took office four years ago.
In a statement to news organizations, mutinous soldiers responsible for the December coup attempt deplored Florendo's death but declared support for Aguinaldo.
"We call upon the Filipino people to express their indignation and rejection of the illegitimate [Aquino] regime before our beloved nation is torn apart," the statement said.
Military Chief of Staff Gen. Renato de Villa ordered troops to capture Aguinaldo "at all costs."
Aquinaldo, who told a Manila radio station on Dec. 1 he was sending tanks and artillery to the city to support mutineers trying to oust Aquino, was indicted Tuesday on rebellion and murder charges along with opposition Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile and five others.
Enrile appeared in court today in suburban Quezon City, but his arraigment was deferred until the Supreme Court rules on the validity of the charge.
by CNB