State of Emergency

Good thing we decided to call my dad this morning to see if he needed a ride into Ortigas Center. We were almost heading out the door when he told us to turn on the news (our TV is usualy set to Blues Clues or Jojo's other Nick Jr. shows!). Schools and businesses were closed and it was beginning to get messy downtown.


Troops on Double Red-Alert: Picture from CNN.com

Apparently, the government foiled a coup attempt last night and fears more civil unrest may develop from rallies planned this weekend. The capital building went on double red-alert and the president declared a National State of Emergency around 11AM. Basically, all rallies are now illegal and there is rioting in the streets about 25 minutes away from our house (about 3 miles away). If you've seen the CNN footage of protesters being hosed down by a water cannon (in front of a shrine to the Virgin Mary), that is literally across the street from Messiah College!

Some are contesting the president's declaration of a State of Emergency because it never went to congress. Under this, the government has the power to take over private businesses and utilities, arrest people without warrants, etc.. etc... The government says "everything is under control" but the level of security at the palace and the rioting in the streets make you wonder.

Suffice it to say, we didn't leave our village today. Pray the civil unrest settles down soon. We are all, OK though.

Here's the lastest from CNN as of right now.