About 300 Manila individuals upset at a planned visit by President Obama staged a protest near the U.S. Embassy in the capital city that led to a violent clash with police.
The demonstrators pushed back at riot police bearing shields on Tuesday, driving them from the front of the embassy, The Associated Press reported. Police responded by bringing out the truncheons and striking at the protesters.
The scene looked ugly, but nobody was arrested or injured, AP said.
The protesters carried signs that read, “Obama not welcome” and “U.S. troops out now.” Many were affiliated with the workers’ federation, the May One Movement.
The United States maintains about 500 soldiers in the southern region of the country to help Philippine’s military with anti-terrorism training. Protesters say the U.S. military presence is a violation to the Philippine’s sovereignty, AP reported. Mr. Obama is supposed to visit the area in April.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.