Police, rallyists clash

MANILA, Philippines - Clashes erupted between militant groups and police near the US embassy in Manila yesterday.

Militants protesting the holding of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit attempted to force their way to the US embassy along Roxas Boulevard but were prevented by the police and military triggering the clashes.

Several from the League of Filipino Students (LFS) tried to march towards the embassy through Padre Faura street but were blocked by policemen. 

The LFS said they wanted to show US President Barrack Obama that they are against the summit meeting, which they claimed would be used by stronger economic powers like America “to exploit and plunder the country’s resources.”

Another militant group also tried to march towards the US embassy using Plaza Salamanca as their take off point but were prevented by the policemen at the corner of Ma. Orosa and Kalaw streets.

The rallyists were forced to stay in front of a fastfood chain where they burned a US flag.

The militants said other groups from the Eastern Visayas Region are arriving in Manila tomorrow to join them in their protest actions.

The group includes the People’s Surge, composed of Typhoo Yolanda survivors, the Katungod Sinirangan Bisayas, Bayan Sinirangan, and other cause-oriented groups.