Protesters Stage Fluvial Parade Against PH-US War Games in Zambales

A fluvial protest against the Balikatan military exercises between the Philippines and the United States was held in Zambales. The event was organized by fishermen’s group PANGISDA-Pilipinas and KILUSAN, and protesters carried banners denouncing the war games aboard about 40 boats off the waters of Masinloc. The event was followed by a rally in front of the Naval Education and Training Command in San Antonio town. The protesters claimed that the ongoing drills are adversely affecting the livelihood of fishermen and have caused a great inconvenience. The Philippine Coast Guard has imposed a “no sail zone” in five coastal towns, restricting fishermen’s activities from April 25-27. With over 17,600 Filipino and American soldiers taking part in the drills, the bilateral exercises began on April 11 and will conclude on April 28.