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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Protesters halt traffic along Kalaw Avenue on PH–US Friendship Day

Protesters halt traffic along Kalaw Avenue on PH–US Friendship Day

Published Jul 4, 2026 12:47 pm  |  Updated Jul 4, 2026 01:48 pm
Protesters march along Kalaw Avenue in Manila on Saturday, July 4, 2026, denouncing the intensified U.S. military presence and what they described as growing foreign intervention in the Philippines. The demonstration coincides with the country’s observance of Philippine-American Friendship Day, with participants calling for an independent foreign policy and opposing expanded military cooperation between Manila and Washington. (Photo taken by Mark Balmores/MANILA BULLETIN)
Protesters march along Kalaw Avenue in Manila on Saturday, July 4, 2026, denouncing the intensified U.S. military presence and what they described as growing foreign intervention in the Philippines. The demonstration coincides with the country’s observance of Philippine-American Friendship Day, with participants calling for an independent foreign policy and opposing expanded military cooperation between Manila and Washington. (Photo taken by Mark Balmores/MANILA BULLETIN)

Protesters brought traffic to a standstill along Kalaw Avenue on Saturday, July 4, as various militant groups staged a march marking the Philippine–U.S. Friendship Day.

At around 10 a.m., demonstrators blocked both lanes of Kalaw Avenue, from Roxas Boulevard to Del Pilar Street, forcing authorities to reroute traffic and ease congestion in adjacent areas.

Protesters marched along the stretch, denouncing what they described as intensified U.S. military presence and growing foreign intervention in the Philippines.

The protest coincided with Philippine–American Friendship Day. The participants pressed for an independent foreign policy and rejected expanded military ties between Manila and Washington.

Members of progressive groups, including Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), headed toward the United States Embassy in Manila, carrying streamers and chanting calls against U.S. influence in the country.

Police and traffic enforcers were deployed in the area to maintain order and prevent the situation from escalating, while ensuring the safety of both protesters and the public.

The protest was later declared peaceful by authorities, with no untoward incidents reported. Traffic gradually resumed by noon after the demonstrators dispersed from the area.

Organizers said they are set to hold another protest action on Monday in connection with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

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