Militant groups protesting the forthcoming visit of US President Barack Obama clashed with riot police early today, various reports said.
Radio dzBB reported that at around 8 a.m., a group of around 30 to 50 militants trying to get near the US embassy squared off with the riot police.
At 10 a.m., a larger group also clashed with the police, prompting the Bureau of Fire Protection to send a fire truck to help anti-riot police disperse further protest actions, the report said.
The protest disrupted flow of traffic in the area. As of 10:48 a.m., the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority reported that the southbound section of Roxas Boulevard has only one passable lane.
Protesters, which are estimated to be around 80, come from various groups like Kilusang Mayo Uno, Gabriela, and Anakpawis. They flashed signs that read, “US troops out now” and “No to US-military bases.”
US President Barack Obama is scheduled to arrive in the country on April 28.
