Briefly - Asia

PHILIPPINES

Filipino coup suspect extols new president

MANILA | A rebel soldier who turned himself in to face charges stemming from two coup attempts against the Philippines’ former president said Thursday he is willing to face justice because he considers the new president legitimate.

Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon was accused of helping lead 300 soldiers in taking over the upscale Oakwood Hotel and a nearby shopping center in Manila in July 2003 and of fleeing a courtroom in 2007 while on trial. The rebels were seeking the resignation of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who was dogged by accusations she stole an election.

Capt. Faeldon and his co-accused have said they did not plan to stage coups and were simply protesting Mrs. Arroyo’s policies. They are facing charges of mutiny and coup attempt.

President Benigno Aquino III welcomed Capt. Faeldon’s decision to surrender and promised him a fair trial, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.

CHINA

Police smash large gambling ring

HONG KONG | Hong Kong and mainland police have smashed a large cross-border illegal soccer gambling syndicate, seizing betting slips worth more than $1 billion, reports said Thursday.

Officers arrested 93 persons from Hong Kong and the mainland in a joint operation late Wednesday, broadcaster RTHK said.

A large amount of betting slips were seized during the arrests, including $1.03 billion from the mainland, the broadcaster said.

INDIA

Kashmir streets under army lockdown

SRINAGAR | Tens of thousands of soldiers patrolled the streets in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Thursday to enforce a rigid curfew aimed at ending weeks of violent anti-government protests.

Shops and schools were closed, streets ringed with barbed wire were deserted, the region’s nearly 60 newspapers were unable to publish, and even residents with special curfew passes were barred from going outside.

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