SN SECURITY WATCH (Tuesday, 25 April 2006: 02.59 CET) – The authorities in the Philippines have charged 49 people with plotting a coup d'etat to overthrow President Gloria Arroyo in February, news agencies reported.

The 49 are accused of plotting to murder Arroyo and replace the government with a military-led council.

Among those charged are six leftist members of Congress, soldiers, and communist rebels.