The group Bayan says the protest activities are meant to tell the US president that American troops are not welcome in the Philippines under the proposed military access agreement
NO TO US PRESENCE. Militant activists burn a mock US flag during a protest against the up-coming visit of US President Barack Obama in Manila, 25 April 2014. Photo by Dennis Sabangan/EPA
Burning American flags and effigy of Barack Obama – expect these and more during the United States president's two-day visit which starts Monday, April 28.
On Tuesday, Obama kicked-off his Asian tour that would bring him to Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and the Philippines to push for the US military pivot and the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).
In a statement, Bayan said militant organizations in the Philippines fear for the possible railroading of the agreement giving US troops access to Philippine military facilities. The Framework Agreement on Increased Rotational Presence and Enhanced Defense Cooperation (FA-IRPEDC) between the two countries are expected to be signed during Obama's visit.
ALL SET. Government preparations to welcome US President Barack Obama is in place along the streets of Manila leading to Malacanang Palace. Photo by Ritchie Tongo/EPA
Under the FA-IRPEDC, the Philippine government agrees to give full access to US troops and their warships to station on facilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines nationwide and even the old US military bases in Clark and Subic.
"This access agreement between the US and PH governments is nothing but a clear one-sided pact for the sole benefit of the Obama administration and not for the Filipino people, contrary to the pact’s AFP modernization justification. Upon entering FA-IRPEDC, the country will only be dragged in to the wars being mongered and instigated by the US," said Mark Louie Aquino, Bayan Metro Manila secretary-general.
"Aside from this, the FA-IRPEDC, which is being pushed by Obama and Aquino will clearly discredit the Filipino people’s victory when we terminated the US bases in the country on September 16, 1991, due to our strong collective protests and pressure. This access agreement is nothing but de facto basing that must be condemned and opposed." Aquino added.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/56392-militants-set-protests-obama-visit
The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN-New Patriotic Alliance) is the main Communist Party of the Philippines umbrella front organization in the Philippines. The commies will attempt to carry out large scale anti-US demonstrations with the hope of provoking a violent response from Philippine government security forces.
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see just how many folks these anachronistic Maoists can put into the streets. Back in the late 70s-early 80s, they regularly fielded tens of thousands of protesters. Lately, BAYAN and its affiliated organizations are lucky if they can muster several thousand.
The following organizations are affiliated with BAYAN and can be expected to provide the manpower behind this pro-CPP/anti-US effort:
Kilusang Mayo Uno (May One Movement), Kilusang Makbubukid ng Pilipinas (Philippine Peasant Movement), Anakbayan (Sons and Daughters of the People), League of Filipino Students (LFS), Student Christian Movement of the Philippines (SCMP), Gabriela (General Assembly Binding Women for Reform, Integrity, Equality, Leadership, and Action), Kilusan ng Manggagawang Kababaihan (KMK-Women Workers’ Movement) Amihan (National Federation of Peasant Women) Samahan ng Malayang Kababaihang Nagkakaisa (Samakana- Organization of Free and United Women), Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD), Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace (EMJP), Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA-National Federation of Small Fisherfolk Organizations in the Philippines), Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Govt. Employees (COURAGE), Promotion for Church People’s Response (PCPR),Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan sa Pilipinas (KAMP-Federation of Indigenous People of the Philippines), Migrante International, First Quarter Storm Movement (FQSM), Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY- National Alliance of Urban Poor Associations), and Sining na Naglilingkod sa Bayan (SINAGBAYAN-Art for the People)