Protesters March on Manila Embassy
Riot police used clubs and jets of water to stop a protest outside the U.S. Embassy compound Friday by about 3,000 people demanding an end to American military bases in the Philippines.
Officers attacked when some demonstrators broke away from the main group and dashed for the heavily guarded embassy. Some people in the crowd threw stones at police.
Leaders of the Campaign for a Sovereign Philippines, which organized the protest, were negotiating with police when the young men ran toward the embassy.
Police Capt. Harrison Tolosa said the protesters had no permit to demonstrate in front of the embassy but were allowed to hold a rally nearby.
During the march to the embassy, members of the crowd chanted “Dismantle the U.S. bases!” and “Down with imperialism!”
The United States and Philippines began negotiations Tuesday on the status of American military bases, which include the huge Clark Air Base and Subic Bay Naval Base. The leases expire in 1991.
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