Condemn the Mutiny at the Manila Peninsula

THE FILIPINO IS NOBLER AND MORE HONORABLE THAN THE MUTINEERS AT OAKWOOD AND THE MANILA PENINSULA.
THE TIME IS NOW FOR THESE MUTINEERS TO FACE THE FULL FORCE OF THE LAW.

As Filipinos gravely concerned with recent events in our beloved country, we condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the indefensible armed takeover of the Manila Peninsula on November 29, 2007.
On that fateful day, around thirty rebel soldiers led by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, brandishing high-powered weapons, stormed the Manila Peninsula. For about six hours, much of the nations financial district was held to a standstill. The eyes of the world were once again on Makati City in a stunning repeat of events in 2003 when many of these same men seized a nearby apartment complex.
The mutiny at the Manila Peninsula was not only a fragrant violation of the constitution and the chain of command of the Armed Forces, but also a scathing attack on the peace and order which our nation so sorely needs if it is to move forward towards progress in the years to come.
Let there be no doubt as to the magnitude of the challenges that confront our nation. Today, we are witness to a country deeply divided, more than ever in its recent history. But if we are to live up to the traditions of our proud democracy, then we must all commit ourselves to a faithful adherence to the rule of law and to the peaceful resolution of our nation's most pressing problems.
In the midst of the great debate over the future of the current administration and of our system of government, let this not be the advocacy of either side. Let all Filipinos who still believe in the fabric of our democracy stand with us in this cause.
We shall stand firm against any attempts by the select few, to once again, hold our nation captive in pursuit of their political ends.
We shall not let them stain the honor of those in our military who humbly serve the Filipino people with unwavering fidelity to the constitution.
We shall not let them besmirch the bravery of such men as Bonifacio whose patriotism is the claim of no one, and certainly not of the self-proclaimed heroes of the Manila Peninsula.
We shall not let them diminish the greatness of our republic and our people before the rest of the world.
THE FILIPINO IS NOBLER AND MORE HONORABLE THAN THE MUTINEERS AT OAKWOOD AND THE MANILA PENINSULA.
We demand that the same rule of law, which these men so blatantly disregarded, now bring them to justice.
We implore the members of the Philippine Senate, in accordance with the rules of their most august institution, to impose proper sanction on Sen. Trillanes whose actions have impugned the integrity of his high office.

God Bless the Philippines! Mabuhay ang Pilipino!