'Kalayaan' march vs. China set on June 12

MANILA, Philippines — Demonstrations will be staged at the Chinese Embassy in Makati City on June 12 against China's assertive claims on West Philippine Sea and in the disputed Kalayaan group of islands.

Organizers say the planned protests called "Martsa para sa Kalyaan" on the anniversary of the Philippine Declaration of Independence will express Filipinos' peaceful objection against China's militarism in Philippine-claimed maritime area without resorting to violence similar to anti-China protests in Vietnam.

"Hindi nating kailangan manunog ng mga pabrika o manakit ng kapwa. Ugali natin ang mapayapang pamamaraan. Ngunit hindi rin naman maaari na tahimik lang tayo," Di Ka Pasisiil Movement said in the event description.

The group said the protests have three goals, namely to urge China to stop laying its claim on almost the entire South China Sea, to urge government and citizens to prepare to defend the country, and to support Filipinos present in Kalayaan, Ayungin and Panatag shoals.

Screencapture of the Facebook event on the protest.

Former Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez said that the movement is inviting citizens through Facebook, especially to urge netizens posting angry reactions on Chinese actions to show their resentment on the streets.

"Ang pag-mobilize nito ay sa pamamagitan ng Facebook, sa pamamagitan ng texting, sa pamamagitan ng e-mail," Golez said in a dzMM interview on Sunday.

"Para iparating sa China na tayo'y naninindigan na pinapasok nila ang ating teritoryo, soberanya natin, exclusive economic zone, na kahit mayroon silang pagbabanta, ang Pilipinas ay handang manindigan dito," he added.