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Filipinos call for end of Philippine-US military deal

Thursday, 04 February 2016 6:34 PM [ Last Update: Thursday, 04 February 2016 6:33 PM ]

Student activists scuffle with police officers during a predawn protest in front of the US embassy to show their demand for the termination of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) in Manila on January 20, 2016. (AFP photo)

Dozens of angry protesters have taken to the streets in the Filipino capital Manila, calling for an end to a security cooperation agreement with the United States.

On Thursday, a large number of angry demonstrators gathered in front of the US Embassy in Manila to denounce the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which allows increased US military presence in the Philippines.

The protesters chanted anti-US slogans and held up placards reading 'US Troops Out Now' and 'No To Another US Military Occupation.' Demonstrators said the accord violates their country’s sovereignty.

The protesters also set fire to a US flag during the massive rally in the capital.

Anti-riot policemen armed with shields and batons were deployed in large numbers to prevent protesters from reaching the US diplomatic mission.

The EDCA is a 2014 agreement between the United States and the Philippines, aimed at strengthening US-Philippine alliance.

In January, the Philippine Supreme Court approved the agreement that would allow the US military to station troops and weapons at bases in the Philippines.

Police officers stand in front of the US embassy anticipating a protest of student activists in Manila on January 13, 2016. (AFP photo)

This came more than two decades after lawmakers in Manila voted to expel American soldiers in a show of anti-colonialism.

In 1992, the US terminated its permanent military presence in the Philippines, but the two sides have been holding annual massive war games to this day.

The development comes against the backdrop of escalation of tensions between China and the Philippines over maritime and territorial disputes in recent months. The two countries have conflicting claims over a number of islands and shoals in the South China Sea.

Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the whole of the South China Sea, which is also claimed in part by the Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Taiwan. The waters are believed to sit atop vast reserves of minerals, oil, and gas.

Political observers believe that US's efforts to increase its presence in the region are aimed at containing China.

Beijing has frequently warned Washington to be cautious in its words and actions with regard to territorial disputes involving China and its neighbors.

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