Interior Secretary Jose Lina lodged the complaint before the Justice Department against Honasan and six others belonging to a civilian group that had allegedly helped rogue soldiers carry out the mutiny.

Honasan, a former army colonel who led several coup attempts in the 1980s, was the first senior political figure publicly implicated by the government in the coup attempt.

The government last week also arrested Ramon Cardenas, a member of the cabinet of deposed Filipino leader Joseph Estrada, for his alleged role in the coup.

Lina had accused Honasan of backing more than 300 rogue soldiers who took over a serviced condominium and shopping complex in the financial district of Makati on July 27.

Members of a civilian volunteer group which Honasan heads allegedly manned the roads leading to the complex that allowed the rebel soldiers to take over the Oakwood building.

Under the Philippine justice system, state prosecutors determine whether there is sufficient evidence to file criminal charges in court.

Last week, state prosecutors filed rebellion charges against the 321 soldiers involved in the coup plot. The soldiers also face possible court martial.

WAR.WIRE