Progressive groups and organizations staged Independence Day demonstrations along T.M. Kalaw Avenue in Ermita, Manila City on Thursday, June 12.
Progressive groups stage protest along T.M. Kalaw, Ermita, Manila on Thursday, June 12, 2025. (John Louie Abrina)
Over 2,000 protesters joined the demonstrations against what they called the “negative effects” brought by the Balikatan exercises to their livelihoods.
The protesters were also against the intensified military intervention of the United States in the Philippines and its complicity in Israel’s continuous attacks on Palestine.
Progressive groups stage protest along T.M. Kalaw, Ermita, Manila on Thursday, June 12, 2025. (John Louie Abrina)
Some protesters also shouted “convict” pertaining to the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Manila Police District (MPD) operatives immediately blocked the militant groups. They peacefully dispersed before 1:00 p.m.
As of this writing, there had been no reports on any rallyist being arrested or injured.