5 more battalions for Palace

THOUSANDS of troops loyal to President Marcos have been pulled out of the insurgency-torn countryside and brought to Manila, rebel military sources said yesterday.

Brig. Gen. Tomas Dumpit, Region II military commander, yesterday left Baguio City with more than 500 troops to help secure Malacanang, said a Constabulary officer who declined to say whether or not he supported Mr. Marcos.

Gen. Dumpit’s troops were recalled from the Cordillera mountains, the generally reliable source,who requested anonymity told Agence France-Presse.

Senior aides of Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile yesterday said they had received intelligence reports of other troops moving towards the capital.

Two battalions were being moved from the Southern Philippines, and two battalions were being moved in from outside Manila, the aides said.