AFP tightens security at Makati court for Magdalo hearing

Military forces beefed up the security at the Makati regional trial court where hearings on the coup d' etat charges against the mutinous Magdalo soldiers are scheduled to resume Tuesday. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deployed soldiers aboard 20 military trucks and canine units to secure the sala of presiding Judge Oscar Pimentel of Makati RTC-Branch 148. AFP officials again sought to ward off members of the media from coming into contact with the Magdalo soldiers. Soldiers manning the third floor of the old building of the Makati City Hall interrogated and inspected the belongings of people entering the courtroom. Members of the Navy, Air Force and the Army started to inspect the building as early as 6 a.m. During past hearings, the mutineers were able to slip anti-government messages to reporters covering the hearing and even escape military escorts. Military police later resorted to handcuffing themselves to the accused. The Magdalo group of soldiers, including Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon and Marine 1st Lt. Lawrence San Juan are expected to arrive any time now. The rebel soldiers were charged for sparking a short-lived coup d' etat in July 2003 when they took over the posh Oakwood Premier Suites at the commercial district of Makati City.-GMANews.TV