Antonio Trillanes

Guide Note:

Antonio Trillanes is a Filipino senator and navy officer that helped organize a failed coup attempt against the government of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in November 2007.¹ Trillanes is a member of the Genuine Opposition, which is a coalition of Filipino politicians who are in opposition to President Arroyo.

Fast Facts:

1. Born: August 6, 1971 in Manila, Philippines
2. Assumed Office: June 30, 2007
3. Political Party: Genuine Opposition
4. Residence: Caloocan City, Philippines
5. Alma mater: University of the Philippines
6. Currently on trial for 2003 coup attempt
7. Elected to the Senate, in May 2007, while in prison
8. Spouse: Arlene G. Orejana
9. Previous Profession: Served in the Military
10. Religion: Roman Catholic

On July 27, 2003, a group of over 300 armed soldiers took over the Oakwood Apartments in Makati City, Philippines. The soldiers were led by Navy Lieutenant Sergeant Antonio Trillanes and James Layug , Army Captain Gerardo Gambala and Milo Maestrecampo and Marine Captain Gary Alejano. The group took over the apartment in an attempt to demonstrate a protest against the government.² All the soldiers were arrested and no one was hurt in the incident. Since the protest, the soldiers released an apology to the president.³ Arroyo accepted the apology, but did not pardon any of the soldiers. In 2005, 180 soldiers were released from prison.²