Chaos descends on TurkeyCoup attempt ends with 161 killed, 1,440 woundedAnkara, Turkey — President Recep Tayyip Erdogan battled to regain control over Turkey yesterday after a coup bid by discontented soldiers, as signs grew that the most serious challenge to his 13 years of dominant rule was faltering. Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said there are approximately 3,500 Filipinos in Turkey and they have been advised to stay indoors. Officials insisted the putsch bid was falling apart with over 1,560 officers held and close to 200 unarmed soldiers at the Turkish military HQ surrendering. The attempted coup brought new instability to the Middle East region, with Turkey a key powerbroker in the ongoing Syria conflict. Soldiers also shot at protesters angrily denouncing the coup bid at Istanbul’s Taksim Square, injuring several.

Source: Manila Bulletin July 16, 2016 16:07 UTC