Cops, activists clash in front of US Embassy over 'Balikatan'

Some 30 student activists protesting against the RP-US Balikatan exercises clashed with Manila police in front of the United States Embassy in Manila at around noon on Tuesday. Members of the League of Filipino Students (LFS) managed to sneak near the gate before police intercepted them, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported. Many of the students tried to throw paint at the US seal of the Embassy while their colleagues exchanged blows with the police. After 30 minutes, the police managed to force the students away from the area. Balikatan is a combined training between the Philippine and United States militaries to prepare for humanitarian relief and assistance in times of natural disasters and other crises. Earlier, militant umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) issued a statement condemning this year's Balikatan, saying it still poses problems for Philippine sovereignty even if fewer US troops will join this year's exercises. “The whole concept of the Balikatan remains problematic insofar as national sovereignty is concerned. This is especially true now that the Aquino government is purportedly reviewing the lopsided Visiting Forces Agreement," said Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. "In spite of its acknowledgment of problems with the VFA, the Philippine government continues to allow US troops to undertake various military activities in the country," Reyes said. “After 27 installments of the Balikatan, is the Philippines really better off? Why has our armed forces remained backward and hugely dependent on US military aid? Where are the so-called benefits?" Reyes added. Bayan said Balikatan primarily benefited the US as its troops gained access to Philippine territory thereby allowing it to project its military might in the region. Bayan added that under the VFA, an unlimited number of US troops can engage in unspecified activities for an undetermined period of time. “Even if the US forces press release says they are building classrooms, this does not mean that they will not engage in other activities such as surveillance and intelligence gathering as well as combat support for counter-insurgency operations in the provinces," Reyes said. “US military exercises in the Philippines are also part of the US power projection in the Southeast Asian region. It keeps US military presence alive in the area and prepares US troops for possible interventionist acts when US interests demands it," he added. Bayan also scored the still unresolved issue of corruption within the military which has also touched upon the funds used for Balikatan exercises. “There is still the unresolved issue of corruption plaguing the Balikatan. So-called reimbursements by the AFP to their US counterparts have been described as questionable even by government auditors. No wonder the AFP would like to preserve this annual event. It seems there is money to be made in having US troops around," Reyes said. – VVP, GMA News