Filipino coup leader is defiant in hiding

Press, 2 December 1987, Page 33

Filipino coup leader is defiant in hiding

By

CRISELDA YABES

of Reuters (through NZPA) Manila The Philippines’ most wanted fugitive has spent his hiding time eating takeaway sushi, watching tapes of his television appearances, and lazing on the beach. “Capturing me is not

that easy,” said the coup leader, Colonel Gregorio "Gringo” Honasan, aged 39, in a recent clandestine interview. Colonel Honasan, public enemy No. 1, faces final expulsion from the Philippine Armed Forces for the bloody mutiny he led on August 28 which nearly toppled the Government

of President Corazon Aquino and killed 53 people.

As the three-month surrender deadline ran out for those involved in the coup, several of Colonel Honasan’s compatriots turned themselves in, but "Gringo” himself — in spite of placatory media statements — remained outside the net.

Officials sharply criticised for their lack of success in finding Colonel Honasan could only lament their helpnessness. Ramon Montano, chief of the National Defence Command, blamed setbacks on amateur work and on fears that Colonel Honasan might have his own spies within the ranks.

“I’m not really embarrassed,” he said. “I’m just a little disappointed with our efforts. It’s not as good as it should be.” “The guy is also smart,” said Colonel Charlie Taniega, the Armed Forces deputy chief of intelligence. “He is like a free man in the sense that there are so many protecting him. “He does not go to a. certain place without security or advance party,” said Colonel Tan-

iega, who is related to Colonel Honasan.

Colonel Honasan, who will be charged with treason if he is caught, is officially being struck from the military roll for being absent without leave.

Stories of the renegade’s escapades have been a hot topic in local newspapers, which often ridiculed the authorities for failing to track down Colonel Honasan while more than a dozen local and foreign journalists have succeeded in getting interviews.

He has clearly enjoyed the attention. In a recent interview with Reuters, he ate a leisurely lunch in a wellfurnished dining room overlooking a Manila suburban garden and boasted of his ability to stay one step ahead of those who have sought him here, there and everywhere. “We have many friends inside (the military),” he said. The mustachioed renegade who is rumoured to have easily avoided police patrols while riding a powerful motor-cycle around the sprawling Philippine capital said his

life on the run was not all bad.

He has swum at beach resorts and enjoyed the luxury of watching himself on television with a plate of peanuts to go with his drink.

Hiding has given him new expertise on Japanese food, ’bought by friends from some of Manila’s most expensive restaurants ... "sushi, shrimp tempura, sauce with wasabe.”

The downside has been having to borrow clothes, sleep in spare rooms, and, by his account, not seeing his wife, three boys and a five-month old baby girl whose picture he keeps in his wallet. Military sources doubt the claim.

"This is real soldiery — going underground, fighting for a cause, protecting our people, defending democracy,” he said. Behind his bravado, however, the Government says it has received feelers from Colonel Honasan suggesting he would be prepared to make a deal, an offer Manila rejected. “Gringo” himself has said recently on radio that he would be willing to talk to Mrs Aquino and now “wanted to help.”