House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-List Rep. Antonio Tinio attended the protest on Monday, January 5, at United States Embassy, condemning the US military operation in Venezuela that seized its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Courtesy: ACT Teachers Party-list
MANILA — Several groups attempted to march to the United States Embassy on Monday morning to protest what they described as US military attacks and destabilization efforts against Venezuela.
But personnel from the Manila Police District blocked their path at Kalaw Avenue corner Roxas Boulevard, where the protesters held their program.
WRAP: Condemnation, calls for caution in PH after US attack on Venezuela
Protesters carried placards denouncing what they called "US imperialist aggression” and said Venezuela’s right to self-determination should be respected.
According to the organizers, the protest was part of an international show of solidarity with the Venezuelan people following recent tensions involving the United States and the Venezuelan government.
Venezuelan activist Tulio Camacho, who addressed the rally, alleged that young Venezuelan soldiers were among those killed in the attacks. Camacho also claimed that Venezuela’s elected leader had been abducted.
“The worst part, the president that we vote[d] for… he was kidnapped,” he said. He added that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was falsely charged with drug trafficking.
Trump threatens new Venezuela leader after raid to seize Maduro
Bayan Secretary-General Mong Palatino said they are protesting US aggression and its broader implications for global security. Palatino also called to remove US military forces and facilities from the Philippines.
“Ayaw natin na ang Pilipinas gawing staging ground ng US para atakihin ang mga kalaban niya sa pulitika. Ayaw natin na ang Pilipinas launching pad ng US para atakihin ang mga bansa na sa tingin niya ay banta sa kanyang geopolitical interest,” he added.
Trump says US oil firms to head into Venezuela
Members of the Makabayan bloc said they plan to file a resolution condemning the reported US attack on Venezuela.
“Ang resolusyon natin ay pananawagan ng tunay na independent foreign policy at pagkundena sa asal ng US sa Venzuela at buong daigdig. At ang susi para sa isang tunay na independent policy, kailangan paalisin natin ang mga base at tropang kano dito sa ating bansa,” said ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio.
The rally ended peacefully, with protesters voluntarily dispersing at around 11:11 a.m.
Trump says Venezuela's Maduro captured in 'large scale' US strike