Progressive groups marched to the US embassy in Manila on July 4 to protest the 80th anniversary of the so-called “friendship day” between the US and the Philippines. This celebration on Philippine soil is a hallmark of neocolonialism.

The protesters condemned the continuing US interference in the Philippines and its dragging of the Filipino people into the imperialist war being incited against China. They called for the abrogation of unequal military agreements, the closure of US military bases, and the expulsion of US troops from within and around the country.

“War Rehearsal” in Asia

At least 40,000 military troops from more than 30 countries were mobilized by the US in war games across various parts of Asia in June in a large-scale “war rehearsal.” These included Resolute Dragon in Japan together with the militarist regime of Sanae Takaichi, Valiant Shield in Guam, and the massive RIMPAC in Hawaii involving 25,000–31,000 troops. In the Philippines, the Kamandag exercises were held from June 15 to July 1 across Northern and Central Luzon, Palawan, Cavite, Tawi-tawi, and Metro Manila.

The simultaneous and coordinated war games along the First and Second Island Chain serve as a “rehearsal” by various armed forces for the imperialist war being prepared against China. The Communist Party of the Philippines strongly condemned the puppet Marcos regime for its open servility to the US and for dragging the country into the geopolitical confrontation between two imperialist powers.