Cops block protesters near US Embassy

Police blocked before noon Tuesday some 100 militants planning to march toward the US Embassy in Manila to protest the visit of US Secretary and former First Lady Hillary Clinton. There was no initial report of injury during the "confrontation," even as anti-riot police negotiated with the protesters, radio dzBB's Cecilia Villarosa reported. Some 100 protesters from Gabriela, Kilusang Mayo Uno and Migrante tried to march to the US Embassy along Roxas Boulevard but were blocked at the corner of T.M. Kalaw and Maria Orosa Streets, the report said. The protesters questioned Clinton's visit, along with the motives of the RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty that the visit was to commemorate. Earlier in the day, Manila police said they were prepared to secure the venues where Clinton is expected to go to. The venues, however, were not disclosed. Earlier reports indicated Clinton was to arrive in the Philippines Tuesday afternoon for her visit. She is to meet with President Benigno Aquino III during her Philippine visit. — RSJ, GMA News