Simba APC stalled outside Presidential Palace causes anti-coup alert.

How bad are things in the Philippines?  When a Simba APC stalls in front of the Presidential Palace, the Guard Force goes on anti-coup alert.  via Inquirer News.

MANILA, Philippines — With President Aquino out of the capital for the past 12 days, an armored personnel carrier (APC) that lost its brakes and stalled near Malacañang was enough to send rumors flying that a coup d’état was under way.

The military “Simba” got stuck on Pureza Street, Manila, early on Friday, prompting the Presidential Security Group and the Manila police to send out teams to make sure it was not a prelude to a power grab while Mr. Aquino was preoccupied with the Zamboanga City hostage crisis.

Palace spokesperson Abigail Valte later explained it was “not unusual for them to go out and check (such) incidents. It was given a high profile (attention) because an APC was stranded … You can’t blame them. Out of prudence they do go out and check.”

It turned out that the APC was just passing through as part of a convoy carrying soldiers from the Northern Luzon Command in Tarlac province to Sangley Point, Cavite. And the only “threat” it posed was the traffic jam it caused. Michael Lim Ubac

Just wow.

I'm a fan of the Philippine people.  I think they hard working, wonderful and have been poorly served by their govt.  I also believe that China will seek to take advantage of this poor country to advance its agenda in the region.

But I also have to wonder if its wise to get fully entangled in their politics by stationing a large number of Marines and Soldiers there.

Its a mess and I don't think its gonna get better anytime soon.