MANILA – Riot police in Manila broke up a protest outside the US embassy yesterday over the alleged rape of a Filipina by a US soldier in Japan.

More than two dozen members of Gabriela, a national women's group, burned a mock American flag and called for an end to the US military presence in Asia.

They demanded justice for the Filipina victim, who is under the protective custody of Japanese police after filing a rape case against a US serviceman in Okinawa.

Police using batons and shields pushed the protesters away as they tried to reach the embassy gates.

Organizers said several protesters were hurt in the scuffle, but no arrests were made. The rally was dispersed.

"The presence of US troops can only mean the exploitation of the Filipino people and violence against women," Gabriela spokeswoman Joms Salvador said.

US embassy officials were not immediately available for comment.

The Philippine government said Monday it was "closely following" the rape case and sent diplomats to help the alleged victim.

The case has received widespread attention in this former US colony, more than a year after a US Marine was convicted of raping a Filipina woman while taking part in military exercises here.

That incident chilled bilateral relations between the military allies and forced the temporary suspension of the joint maneuvers.

The Marine was subsequently transferred to a detention facility inside the US embassy, triggering protests and calls for Manila to abrogate a military treaty allowing for joint exercises.*AFP

back to top