Militant groups rally vs. Balikatan near US Embassy

Some 100 members of various militant groups staged a protest rally on Wednesday to express their opposition to the ongoing Balikatan exercises between Philippine and US soldiers in Casiguran, Aurora.

The protesters challenged President Rodrigo Duterte to order a stop to the military exercises and implement his independent foreign policy, according to a Balitanghali report by GMA News' John Consulta.

The protesters planned to go to the US Embassy, but they were blocked by anti-riot policemen of the National Capital Region Police Office and personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection in Kalaw area.

According to Tina Palakbay, secretary-general of Karapatan, it is not true that the military training is in relation to humanitarian program.

She noted that the exercises are for anti-terrorism drills, as cited in the website of the US Embassy.

The militant groups, meanwhile, left Kalaw area past 11 a.m. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News