Militant groups staged a protest at the United States Embassy in Manila on Monday, calling on the US to stop its military actions against Iran and urging President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to repeal the Oil Deregulation Law, remove excise taxes, and raise workers’ wages.
Members of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) reportedly breached police lines and reached the embassy gate after marching from Plaza Ferguson. The sudden movement allowed them to bypass security along Roxas Boulevard and hold their program and speeches near the embassy entrance.
The protesters condemned what they described as US and Israeli aggression against Iran, which they said endangers migrant workers’ lives, drives up oil prices, and disrupts livelihoods globally.
Jerome Adonis, KMU chairperson, said Filipinos should not be used as “cannon fodder” in wars involving the United States.
“Ito ay panahon ng paglaban, hindi ito panahon ng pananahimik. Kaya sinisingil natin ang Estados Unidos kasama si Bongbong Marcos na dapat kadyat ihinto ang giyera ng US sa Iran,” Adonis said.
The group also denounced the continued presence of US military forces in the Philippines—including bases, rotational forces, and refueling facilities—saying it puts the country at risk of being drawn into escalating international conflicts.
KMU described US imperialism as the “world’s number one terrorist,” singling out former US President Donald Trump and his administration as responsible for ongoing military conflicts.
“Nais lamang ho namin nareistro sa buong mundo na ang numero unong terorista, mamamatay tao, walang iba kung di si Donald Trump at ang kanyang gobyerno.”
The group warned that ordinary Filipinos and workers worldwide continue to suffer the economic consequences of wars they did not start.
“Hindi po tayo ang may gawa ng gyerang ito. Pero ang mamamanggagawang Pilipino at ang mamamayan ng mundo ang nagsusuffer ng pinakamatinding economic crisis na hindi naman tayo ang may gawa,” Adonis said.
“Kaya po, mariin natin kinokondena si Bongbong Marcos dahil siya ang pangunahing tuta ng imperyalismong mga Estados Unidos sa ating bayan,” he added.
