The Peninsula Hotel in Manila in the Philippines has been closed until further notice after police and army troops stormed the property after its seizure by armed renegade soldiers.

A Peninsula statement said: “The occupation of The Peninsula Manila by a group of anti-government rebels has ended, and the rebels have left the hotel. The matter is now being dealt with by the relevant Philippine authorities.

“Hotel guests are currently being accommodated at neighbouring hotels.  The Peninsula Manila takes the safety of its guests, patrons and staff extremely seriously, considering it to be of paramount importance, and the hotel will continue to liaise and work closely with the Philippine authorities.”

Elite troops moved into the hotel at 7am (3pm local time) after the deadline for the rebels to leave the hotel had passed.

They battered down the door and fired tear gas into the lobby to free a number of hotel staff, journalists and guests who had been trapped in the property.

The renegade soldiers, accused of a failed mutiny in 2003, took over the hotel after breaking out of court where they were on trial. They were calling for the overthrow of President Gloria Arroyo.

Peninsula website >>

By Kerstin Kühn

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