The expressions of support from the international community for the efforts of the Philippine government to resolve the situation in Makati and the prayers and masses offered by overseas Filipinos helped to bring a swift end to the crisis in Makati today.

This was the statement made by Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople tonight, after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced that ”the crisis in Makati is over.”  In her statement*, the President said that 296 soldiers, including 70 officers, are standing down and returning to barracks.

“This misadventure was doomed from the start,” Secretary Ople said.

In a statement issued earlier, the Secretary said “A military adventure, no matter how puny its force, cannot be allowed to stand.  We condemn in the strongest possible terms this act totally devoid of a moral basis and contrary to the proudest and finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

In his statement this morning, the Secretary urged the soldiers staging this mutiny to look around them and see how isolated they are from the rest of the country and the world in this misadventure.  He also urged them to surrender, and turn to dialogue as a means of resolving their grievances.

“We deeply appreciate the support given to us by the diplomatic community and we are profoundly grateful for the support and prayers of our overseas Filipinos,” the Secretary said.  The Secretary also expressed his appreciation for the prompt action taken by our Ambassadors, who kept their host countries informed and updated. “Our ambassadors worked diligently to coordinate with their host governments and in relaying the messages of support of the international community.  I commend our ambassadors and their staff for their commitment and dedication. They have, in no small measure, helped in resolving this crisis,” the Secretary said.

In the statement of the President announcing the end of the crisis, she thanked the members of the diplomatic community for their support.

“I join the President in assuring the international community that this event did not compromise our national security and political stability and that the issues did not involve ideological and fundamental policy,” the Secretary said.

“I agree with the President that once more, this is a triumph for democracy,” the Secretary added. END.

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(*Full text of the President’s Statement follows.)

“The crisis in Makati is over.

Two hundred ninety six soldiers, including 70 officers, are standing down and returning to barracks.

They will be investigated and their cases will be disposed of in accordance with the Articles of War. They have not asked, and they shall not be given, special treatment.

I have directed the Chief of Staff to immediately restore normalcy in the military organization. I commend the officers and men who have handled this crisis with loyalty and professionalism.

Civilians shown to be involved in any conspiracy will be prosecuted.

I thank the leaders of Congress, the Church and civil society for their support.

I am also thankful for the support extended by the diplomatic community. I assure the world that this event does not in any way injure our national security and political stability. The issues involved are domestic, operational or administrative; they do not involve ideological or fundamental policy areas. Our decision to enter a dialogue reaped positive results.

Once more, this has been a triumph for democracy.

May God Bless the Philippines.” ###