Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) and its allied organizations Kilusang Mayo Uno, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, Gabriela, Kalipunang Damayang Mahihirap, Migrante and Anakbayan among others marched from Liwasang Bonifacio along Taft Avenue in Manila to the nearest possible site to conduct their protest against the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit. They were stopped by the police barricade and water cannons from firetrucks at the corner of Padre Faura, just near the the Supreme Court.
A sound blast was also used on the protesters. Some said it caused them to feel dizzy and lightheaded.
They were able to proceed another block to Padre Faura where they held their rally program.
Earlier, Bayan Metro Manila said of today’s rally in a statement: “Thousands of Filipinos will march today to register our strongest opposition and rage to the US-Duterte regime that causes poor Filipinos extreme economic hardships, poverty, hunger and homelessness through their anti-poor neoliberal policies and globalization schemes.”
The 31st ASEAN Summit opened in the Philippine International Convention Center this morning. The meetings today were expected to discuss the ASEAN Vision 2025, with the ASEAN’s vision for regional integration still to be fulfilled. The world leaders would also sign an agreement for the protection of the rights of migrant workers. The ASEAN as a body would then hold its meetings with trading partners from outside the region, China, Korea and Japan, while Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was also expected to hold bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump and other visiting heads of state.
