Ex-RAM leader Billy Bibit dead at 59

A founding member of the Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa (RAM) that staged a bloody coup attempt during the Aquino administration died Sunday night. He was 59 years old. Armed Forces public affairs spokesperson Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. confirmed on Monday that retired Constabulary colonel Billy Bibit died "past 9 p.m. last night [Sunday]." Brawner said Bibit passed away due to complications caused by a stroke he suffered three years ago. The former military rebel was reportedly bedridden since 2006. Brawner added he is still getting details on Bibit’s wake and interment, but a report on dzBB radio said Bibit lies in state at the Heritage Park in Taguig City. His remains will be cremated on Friday. Bibit, aside from taking part in plotting coup attempts against then President Corazon Aquino, helped form the Guardians Brotherhood. Bibit was a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class of 1972, and was a Constabulary lieutenant colonel when he joined the original Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM), then headed by Col. Gregorio Honasan, who would later become senator. RAM was instrumental in toppling the Marcos administration in February 1986. During the Aquino administration, Bibit was jailed following the failed December 1989 coup. He was rescued from detention by comrades in the rebel military movement. In 2001, Bibit sided with the camp of then Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who assumed the presidency following the ouster of President Joseph Estrada. He was named Customs district collector in Subic, after which he was moved to Cebu City. In 2005, Bibit was eased out reportedly due to his “insufficient credentials." In August 2006, he suffered a stroke and was initially treated at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City. He was then transferred to Veterans Memorial Hospital also in Quezon City. - Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV