Cops, activists clash on Fil-Am Day
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 07/04/2009 10:54 PM
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MANILA - Confrontation ensued on Saturday between policemen and demonstrators calling for the abolition of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
Marking July 4, Filipino-American Friendship Day, a handful of activists jogged to the US embassy in Manila to demand a stop to the agreement and all military exercises with the US.
They said the VFA has brought no good to the country and instead put Filipinos at a disadvantage, citing abuses by American forces, including the alleged rape of Filipino women.
But policemen blocked the demonstrators triggering a shouting match before protesters voluntarily dispersed without further incident.
Meantime, Wowowee host Willie Revillame joined advanced festivities at the US embassy in Manila in celebration of American Independence Day and Filipino-American Friendship Day.
US Ambassador Kristie Kenney invited Revillame to join a host of political personalities and celebrities who attended the event held Friday.
Singer-actor Nikki Gil sang the Philippine National anthem on behalf of the Filipino guests.
The occasion nearly turned into a noon-time show when Revillame took over the hosting job after the program.
The Wowowee host said Kenney graced one of their episodes and even danced to the tune of his hit song.
“She was in Wowowee last December and she danced the ‘Giling-Giling,'” said Revillame.
For her part, Kenney said she enjoyed the “Wowowee experience”.
“It was so much fun. I hope you invite me again,” she told Revillame.
Revillame said it was an honor for him to join an event that celebrates the friendship between the Philippines and the US. -- with reports from ANC, and Gretchen Fullido, ABS-CBN News
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