Various groups expressed opposition and concern against the proposal in the US Congress to build an ammunition factory in Subic Bay, Zambales. They said that this plan threatens national security and will affect the livelihood of Zambales fisherfolk.

The plan to build the factory appeared in a report by the US House Committee on Appropriations that was made public on June 24.

“US rival countries historically has not directly targetted US mainland, but its military and satellite bases elsewhere,” Pamalakaya said.

The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) condemned the US for conducting Operation Lightning Strike war games under Salaknib Phase 2 on June 30 in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija. These war games fired missiles from two High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and used four Apache attack helicopters.

The group said that these war games, especially the live-fire missile test, are detrimental to farming communities. The KMP believes that this is not for defense or peace, but for US war preparations.

Meanwhile, Filipinos and Australians marched in Sydney, Australia on June 22 to protest the Philippines-Australia Kasangga war games. Since 2023, Kasangga has been held twice a year, allowing Australian troops free entry into Philippine territory.