Manila for court martial of mutineers

The possible trial of the junior military officers, who are under technical arrest, coincides with a larger effort to unmask more senior figures possibly both within the government and the opposition behind Sunday's 22-hour mutiny.

Military chief of staff General Narciso Abaya has ordered the convening of a task force "so we can investigate those involved," armed forces spokesman Colonel Daniel Lucero said.

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"This task force will be composed of 10 teams, from the major services," Lucero said on local radio. "The result of the investigation will determine the organisation of the court martial."

He said the soldiers who occupied part of a shopping mall in the Makati financial district on Sunday had been placed under the custody of their respective service commanders.

Lucero said their movements were being "restricted" and they would not be allowed out of their headquarters. He said there were security measures to keep them from fleeing.

"We will give them a fair trial, we will give them a day in court to explain their side," Lucero said.

Almost 300 soldiers staged the mutiny, setting explosives around the shipping mall, accusing the government of President Gloria Arroyo of selling munitions to rebel groups, carrying out terrorist bombings and planning to declare martial law.

Some 22 hours later, the plotters agreed to return to the barracks after negotiators promised to improve security on military weapons and investigate the bombings.