Protesters hold rally in Manila during US VP Kamala Harris' visit

Militant protesters held a rally on Monday morning in Manila to express their opposition to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and other matters during US Vice President Kamala Harris' three-day visit.

The protesters converged on Recto Avenue corner Nicanor Street in Morayta, according to a report by Isa Avendaño-Umali on Super Radyo dzBB.

Among the protesters were members of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Kilusang Mayo Uno, and other groups.

The Kabataan and Gabriela party-list groups were also represented during the protest action.

Also spotted were former Gabriela party-list Representative Liza Masa and former Bayan Muna party-list Representative Teodoro Casiño Jr.

The protesters held placards saying "Junk EDCA", "US out now", "Layas Kamala", among others.

Meanwhile, police were in the rally area to ensure the protest action will be peaceful.

The protesters tried to proceed to Mendiola which is near Malacañang, but police stopped them.

PANOORIN: Rally ng iba't ibang grupo sa Recto Avenue sa Maynila, kasabay ng nakatakdang pagbisita ni US VP Kamala Harris sa Malakanyang. Mga pulis-Maynila, todo-bantay. @dzbb pic.twitter.com/zpoxxNEP5n

— Isa Avendaño-Umali (@Isa_Umali) November 21, 2022

Motorists were advised to take alternate routes after Recto Avenue going to Mendiola was temporarily closed due to the rally.

The protesters ended their program past 10 a.m.

The Philippines and the US will discuss the EDCA and the UN Joint Programme for Human Rights (UNJP) during Harris' visit, the US Embassy said on Monday.

Harris, who arrived in Manila on Sunday night after attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation economic leaders meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, is scheduled to meet President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday.

She will also travel to Palawan, one of the areas in the country closest to the West Philippine Sea. —KG, GMA Integrated News