Filipino-Chinese traders join anti-China rally in Makati 

Several Chinese Filipino traders on Friday joined activists at a rally in front of the Chinese consulate in Makati City to protest China's bullying of the Philippines in the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal. The Chinese-Filipino traders, who were concerned about the month-old standoff, brought small Philippine flags at the rally, radio dzBB's Glen Juego reported. Many of them said they believed China's bullying of the Philippines was simply wrong. The report said the rally was peaceful so far, with protest organizers bringing a sound system that played "Lupang Hinirang," the Philippines' national anthem. Security remained tight at the consulate, with police staying on guard against possible troublemakers. Earlier Friday, police had stopped former policeman and mayor Abner Afuang from burning the Chinese flag in front of the consulate. Friday's activity stemmed from a standoff that started last month, when Philippine forces spotted Chinese fishermen taking marine species from the area. Before a crew from a Philippine Navy ship could make arrestts, Chinese vessels blocked the Navy ship's path. — LBG, GMA News