Beating drums and chanting slogans, hundreds of Filipino activists marched in central Cebu city on Saturday to voice concern over a plan by Southeast Asian leaders meeting here to adopt stronger counterterrorism measures.The left-wing protesters said they feared the bolstered regional anti-terror cooperation, which is to be finalised by the leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations later Saturday, will lead to an increase in human rights violations.They also objected to trade liberalisation advocated by the bloc, saying it will damage local industries, mainly fisheries.The demonstrators burnt effigies of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, both staunch supporters of the US, as well as of US President George W Bush.Others lay on the ground, pumping their fists in the air and shouting “Down with US”.They faced off with about 150 riot police equipped with shields, tear gas and wooden truncheons for about two hours, but there was no violence and no one was arrested.“A majority of leaders of ASEAN are human rights violators,” alleged Imelda Tabiando, 39, a local activist.Chanting “US imperialist, No 1 terrorist,” the activists demanded the United States pull its troops out of southeast Asia. The Philippines is one of the region’s staunchest US allies and thousands of American troops every year train local forces to battle al-Qaeda-linked militants in the country’s south.Cebu Mayor Tomas Osmena, who showed up at the rally, said he will not allow police to break up the event.“I definitely support democracy and people should be allowed to express what they feel regardless of the difference of opinion,” he said.-AUDRA ANG
