Philippine Protesters Rally Against U.S. Military Presence On Independence Day

Hundreds of protesters marched through Manila on the Philippines' Independence Day, demanding an end to the U.S. military presence in the country and calling for a more independent foreign policy. Demonstrators gathered near the U.S. Embassy, condemning Washington's military activities in the region and warning that deeper security ties could undermine Philippine sovereignty. Protesters also renewed calls to scrap the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which allows expanded U.S. military access to Philippine bases. The rally comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific and growing concerns that the Philippines could become entangled in broader regional conflicts.