‘The Philippines is ours, China out’: Filipino activists slam Sino-US rivalry in country’s maritime zone

Hundreds of Filipino activists protested against China and the United States on Tuesday, condemning both countries for waging their rivalry within the Philippines’ maritime territory in the South China Sea.

The protesters, who gathered near the Chinese consulate in Metro Manila, chanted “the Philippines is ours, China out” as they also slammed the government of President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr for giving the US the right to use Philippine military facilities.

They urged Marcos Jnr to turn the West Philippine Sea – Manila’s term for the waters of the South China Sea located within and outside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) it considers its maritime territory – into a “demilitarised zone” where local fishermen could fish peacefully.

Tuesday’s rally, which took place in Metro Manila’s financial district of Makati City, was held to coincide with the Day of Valour, which commemorates the day when the provinces of Bataan and Corregidor fell to Japanese invaders 82 years ago.

The protest was organised by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (New Patriotic Alliance), an alliance of left-wing Philippine groups.

Policemen with riot shields, truncheons and walkie-talkies parked vehicles on one lane of the avenue to prevent activists from gathering in front of the Chinese consulate and tried to turn them away, saying they lacked a permit to rally.

One young activist retorted, “The Chinese are already driving Filipinos away in the West Philippine Sea. Are you also driving us out of here?”

Meanwhile, at an event west of Manila commemorating the Day of Valour, Marcos Jnr warned that “foul forces [are] endangering the hard-fought gains we made for our country” and urged Filipinos to emulate those who fought in Bataan and Corregidor so