Philippine bars Time reporter from leaving in coup probe
(AP)
Updated: 2006-05-19 10:34
The Philippine justice secretary said he has barred a Time magazine reporter
in Manila from leaving the country in a bid to compel her to shed light on an
alleged coup plot against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Nelly Sindayen was the author of a Time article on a Feb. 23 meeting among
several opposition figures allegedly involved in a plot to oust Arroyo.
"She won't be arrested, but she must cooperate," Justice Secretary Raul
Gonzales said late Thursday.
"We just want to talk to her."
Gonzales said Sindayen's testimony would help the National Bureau of
Investigation to complete its probe into the Feb. 24 foiled coup attempt, which
the government said included disgruntled troops, communist rebels and civilian
backers.
"We want to know why they (were) in that meeting," Gonzales said.
"We will file charges against these individuals if I find that there is
probable cause."
Sindayen, a Philippine national, could not immediately be reached for
comment, but earlier told colleagues that she was standing by her story.
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