Head of Philippines Marines dismissed

MANILA, Philippines, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- The commander of the Philippines Marines was forced out Sunday, two days after President Gloria Arroyo said she had foiled a military coup.

Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda's dismissal set off a brief protest by a former subordinate, Col. Ariel Querubin, who was fired Friday. Queirubin's call for a rally in support of Miranda at the Marines' base met little response, although former President Corazon Aquino tried to get on the base.

A five-hour standoff ended peacefully, the BBC reported.

The reason for Miranda's removal is unclear. Arroyo claims an alliance of right-wing and Communist forces tried to topple her.