Rouge soldiers have occupied a Makati commercial district, setting up bombs around the perimeter and issuing several demands through statements leaked to the local news media. Coup rumors have been circulating since two days ago, but no one outside the intelligence community took these seriously until yesterday.

Composed of disillusioned young officers, the so-called Magdalo group has been portrayed by some as a ragtag bunch of trouble makers manipulated by larger political forces. I don’t blame people for jumping to such conclusions. The officers involved seem to have legitimate grievances against the present administration’s leadership, but one can’t help but speculate that the president’s opponents may have had a hand in this small uprising. As of this morning, however, Sen. Gringo Honasan has denied any direct link with the group, and the opposition has denied any allegiance with the rebels. For once, I’m inclined to believe them.

Though I disagree with his tactics, I can see why the leader of the rebel group — Lt. Trillanes — is so angry with the government. No one in the Philippines will doubt allegations that high ranking officers of the Philippine army are involved in graft and corruption. No one save for government spin doctors will stand up and defend military brass from such accusations. The Philippine army has had a bad reputation since the Marcos era, and it comes to no surprise that idealistic young officers like Trillanes have become so frustrated with the system.

Trillanes and company may have displayed blas? disregard for public safety in this show of resolve, but I think this is more due to paranoia and desperation than an actual desire to cause harm. Let us not forget that when Lt. Trillanes, magna cum laude of PMA Class 95, wrote a paper regarding corruption in the Philippine Navy, he began to receive death threats from unknown parties. Someone is clearly trying to silence this whistle blower. He’s just scared, and he thinks he has no other option.

I wouldn’t call these rogue soldiers morons. They may be desperate, but not moronic.

I only pray that no one gets hurt.

Update: President Gloria Arroyo has given the rounge soldiers a 5 pm deadline to surrender. Lt. Trillanes has also announced on radio that they will be holding a news conference later.

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