Thousands of Filipinos marched to the US embassy in Manila on June 12, the 128th anniversary of “Independence Day,” to denounce the continuing US imperialist domination in the country. Led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), they condemned the fake independence, especially amid the increasing and overlapping war games, the construction of a “Pax Silica hub,” and the installation of US bases and weapons in the Philippines.

Hundreds of police confronted and blocked the protesters on Kalaw Avenue. Barbed wire barricades were set up on the road to stop the march, but protesters dismantled them. They held a program at the site where police blocked them.

Protest actions were held in Kawit and Bacoor, Cavite, where police thrice attempted to stop the rallyists. Suspected state agents slashed the tires of protesters’ vehicles. Actions were also held in the cities of Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao.

Filipinos abroad also staged protests. In New York, Bayan USA and Migrante USA joined a parade carrying calls for justice for caregivers and the Negros 19. In California, they called for the release of Kuya Richard at the Otay Mesa Detention Center. Actions were also held in Australia and Hong Kong, where US militarism and the lack of genuine freedom in the Philippines were denounced.