Bayan Muna, Activists set to Protest against US Military Presence in the Philippines

05/31/2015 – Manila | Bayan Muna and other activists groups are gearing up for a large protest on June 12 to condemn the recent plan of US Military to increase its presence around the Philippines particularly in the South China Sea.

The protest aims not only to the US military but also to China’s assertiveness in the disputed Spratly Islands.

The Independence Day rally which has the theme “Hand Off the Philippines” will be led by actress and activist Bibeth Orteza, former senator Rene Saguisag, and Bayan Muna party-list representative Neri Colmenares. The group said that the acts of US and China “constitute real and serious threats to the Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

US and China has exchanged words during the Singapore summit on Saturday and no solid resolution to cool-off the situation has been suggested yet.

US Defense Secretary Ash Carter demands China to put a lasting halt on its reclamation activities, but China rejected the US demand and said it is exercising its territorial rights.

The activists also urged the government to craft an “independent foreign policy” which does not lean on the interests of the two global powers.

The “Hands Off Philippines” rally will begin with a mobilization in front of the Chinese embassy in Makati City at 9 a.m. then will proceed to US embassy at 11 a.m.

The ongoing Chinese reclamation has alerted US and EU,  and analysts said both parties should refrain from using military force and put more effort on diplomatic solutions.

Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein on Saturday said, “”If we are not careful it would escalate into one of the deadliest conflict of our time, if not our history. Just because a region appears to be peaceful and prosperous doesn’t mean the prospects of conflict do not arise.”

Bayan Muna did not give suggestion on what the Philippine government should do to avoid military escalation. The group only said they want both (China and US) to go away.

China on the other hand is firm on its decision to continue its land reclamation activities despite unwelcoming reactions from its Southern neighbors particularly the Philippines and Vietnam.

/Maggie Marconi/ Assisted Press Manila

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