By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Various patriotic organizations led by the Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement (Alab ng Bayan) staged a lightning protest Friday along Vicente Sotto Street near the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), condemning China’s continued aggression, harassment, intimidation, bullying, and racist attacks against Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea.
The demonstration coincided with the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), where China’s Foreign Minister was expected to participate, underscoring the protesters’ call for regional attention to Beijing’s actions in disputed waters.
Carrying placards and Philippine flags, the demonstrators demanded that China respect the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime entitlements under international law. They also urged Beijing to cease what they described as persistent acts of coercion and intimidation against Filipino fishermen, coast guard personnel, and civilians operating in the West Philippine Sea.
The protesters further called for accountability over the alleged racist attacks and hostile actions directed at Filipinos, stressing that such behavior undermines regional peace, stability, and mutual respect among ASEAN member states.
Organizers said the protest was intended to send a clear message to ASEAN leaders and the international community that Filipinos will continue to defend the country’s territorial integrity and sovereign rights while calling for adherence to international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
ia/xf
