World Notes THE PHILIPPINES

Time: 2:45 a.m.

Date: April 8, 1990

Scene: Manila city jail

Cast: Retired Lieut. Colonel Rolando ("Billy") Bibit, 15 or so rebel soldiers and a bunch of partygoers

Action: A knock at the door of the jail. Guards, inmates and visitors swigging beer to celebrate the deputy warden's birthday are expecting a delivery of more brews. Surprise! Black-hooded renegades crash the festivities and escape with Billy Bibit.

A former chief intelligence and security officer of the Bureau of Customs, Bibit was being held on charges of attempting to overthrow the government during the failed December coup. "Today I am free again to continue our struggle for the cause of good government," said Bibit.

An enraged President Corazon Aquino ordered a nationwide manhunt for Bibit.