Around 200 protesters from the Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement and allied groups held a rally outside the Chinese Embassy in Makati City on Wednesday, January 28, condemning what they described as China’s ongoing aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort.
The demonstrators cited reported threats from Chinese officials, as well as alleged harassment, bullying, and water cannon attacks targeting Filipino soldiers and fishermen.
Protesters carried placards with messages including “West Philippine Sea is ours,' 'China, back off!” and marched along Gil Puyat Avenue, demanding that the Philippine government uphold the country’s sovereignty, maritime rights, and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling under UNCLOS.
During the rally, the group burned caricatures of Chinese President Xi Jinping, staged a symbolic protest lying on the road wearing sacks labeled “pro-China politicians and columnists”, and waved the Philippine flag.
Some participants donned traditional Filipino attire, including barong and saya, while wearing masks representing politicians they claim fail to defend the national territory.
The protesters also called for the declaration of Chinese diplomats as "persona non grata" and urged the Chinese government to be held accountable for its actions in Philippine waters.
"Kung sino po ang kalaban ng bayan ay kalaban ng buong sambayanan. Sana ipagtanggol natin ang Pilipino," FDNY member said.
"Pilipino para sa Pilipino dahil tayo ay nasa Pilipinas at wala rin tayong ibang pupuntahan dahil tayo ay maralita dito lang tayo sa Pilipinas kaya ipaglalaban natin kung ano ang atin," she added.
Meanwhile, during the Senate plenary session, 15 senators signed a proposed Senate Resolution No. 256 condemning the criticism of the Chinese Embassy in Manila against certain Filipino government officials and institutions who criticized Beijing’s aggressive actions and defended the country's sovereignty.
Yesterday, Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III raised the possibility of declaring a Chinese Embassy official in Manila "persona non grata" following continued attacks against Philippine officials critical of China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
