Brigadier General Victor Corpus told reporters however that he could not make public the names of the "big-time personalities" involved as this would endanger the lives of his intelligence sources.

Corpus said it would be difficult to file charges against the masterminds, remarking his sources did not have "documentary evidence" against them.

Corpus also denied charges by the rebels that he was part of covert government-sponsored terrorist activities, saying "it's all lies".

Arroyo revealed late Saturday that rogue military forces were plotting against her.

Hours later, a group of about 200 rebel soldiers occupied a shopping and apartment complex in the Makati financial district, demanding Arroyo's resignation.

Other officials have linked followers of deposed president Joseph Estrada as well as former coup plotter-turned-senator Gregorio Honasan to the mutiny.

Police said Sunday they raided a house owned by Estrada and found ammunition and arm bands connected to the mutineers. Officials said one of Estrada's acknowledged mistresses, Laarni Enriquez, who frequented the house, would be summoned to explain the discovery.

WAR.WIRE