"We congratulate the Philippine government on their prompt reaction to restore order," the EU's Italian presidency said in a statement.

The EU also said it welcomed President Gloria Arroyo's decision to set up an independent inquiry to look into the failed mutiny and a spate of bombings in the southern city of Davao.

The mutineers surrendered Sunday after a 20-hour siege in the Philippine capital's Makati district, having accused Arroyo's government of complicity in the Davao attacks and of planning to declare martial law.

Charges were filed Friday against 321 soldiers involved in the failed insurrection, which the Philippine government says was part of a larger attempt to replace Arroyo with a 15-member junta.

WAR.WIRE