Filipino students stage rally urging for repeal of VFA

About 100 Filipino students staged a rally in front of the U.S. Embassy Wednesday demanding for the repeal of the controversial Philippine-U.S. Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

The rally was held ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton's visit to the Philippines.

Terry Ridon, secretary general of the League of Filipino Students, said the continued presence of U.S. troops in the Philippines is an "affront to national sovereignty and territorial integrity." Ridon added that they staged this rally to send a message to Clinton and to U.S. President Barrack Obama.

Ridon said if the Obama administration is "truly sincere" in its message of change, then it must reject the VFA.

The protesters had a brief scuffle with the police officials stationed in front of the embassy. No one was reported hurt. The rally lasted for 30 minutes. The students vowed to return Thursday.

Philippine police officials said they will be fielding 5,000 cops in the metropolis Thursday to heighten security during Clinton's visit.

Clinton will be in Manila Thursday for a brief meeting with Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. She will then head to Singapore to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)ministerial meeting.


Source: Xinhua