Siege drama at The Peninsula Manila

There have been dramatic scenes at The Peninsula Manila today, situated in the Makati financial district.   The hotel was stormed by rebel members of the Philippines military who had broken out of court where they were on trial for a mutiny in 2003. Armed guards have been posted on stairways from the hotel’s  lobby, protecting a command centre that  was established  on a second-floor function room where demands were made for President Gloria Arroyo to resign. 310 out of the hote’s 497 rooms were occupied before the drama began to unfold, and around 200 guests led  the inevitable  massive check-out, lining up in the reception area with hastily packed bags. The hotel was later stormed and the soldiers arrested. A statement on the hotel’s website reads:

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. The Peninsula Manila is now closed until further notice.

Spare a thought for Ryan Montano and his wife-to-be. They were due to get married and hold an evening reception at the hotel, but had to move to a nearby hotel.