A report from the Manila Police District (MPD) said that around 100 members of LFS and Anakbayan who protested wanted the junking of the Enhance Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country.
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According to MPD Police Insp. Rodeliza Naoy, the protesters threw paint at the facade of the embassy and members of the police.
Naoy added the group dispersed at around 5:49 a.m.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
LFS: Return of U.S. military bases not welcome
Charisse Bañez, national chairperson of LFS, said they held a rally to show the American government and the world that “the Filipino youth will never welcome the return of U.S. military bases in the country.”
“As pag-asa ng bayan we will not surrender our sovereignty nor our future to the US imperialist,” Bañez said in a statement released to the press.
She added that the EDCA violates the Constitution and “it is very clear that our government surrendered the sovereignty over these so-called Agreed Locations that allows the US to conduct practically anything.”
“These locations can be undeniably classified as US military bases. The US and Aquino government might be able to sugar-coat it, but they cannot fool the youth and the people,” Bañez said.
She also pointed out several instances where U.S. soldiers committed human rights violations in the past.
“The crimes committed by US troops and military personnel to the Filipino people know no end. Of all these, not one was held accountable. Even Pemberton’s case is no exception as he and his government are trying to claw their way out of Philippines laws and justice system.”
This is a developing story.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Members of the League of Filipino Students (LFS) and Anakbayan held a lightning rally in front of the U.S. Embassy in Roxas Boulevard early Wednesday morning (January 20).
