Groups protest Fil-Am War anniversary in Iloilo

By Juliane Judilla

Various progressive groups staged a picket outside West Visayas State University on Feb. 4 to denounce what they described as continued U.S. intervention in the Philippines while marking the anniversary of the outbreak of the Philippine-American War in 1899.

The protest was led by League of Filipino Students–Panay, which said the mobilization aimed to recall both the historical and continuing impact of the war on the Filipino people.

Organizers cited documented acts of violence committed by U.S. forces during the conflict, describing these as lessons that continue to shape public opposition to U.S. imperialism.

The groups also criticized what they called persistent U.S. influence in the country through military agreements and activities such as the Balikatan Exercises, the Visiting Forces Agreement, and the expansion of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites.

They argued that these arrangements, along with related local policies, undermine national sovereignty despite the Philippines’ formal declaration of independence.

“Mahugot ang panawagan naton nga paghalin sang mga pwersa sang U.S. military ilabi na sa mga komunidad,” said Arlie Bosque of Kabataan Party-list Panay.

“Makita nga kun sa diin may U.S. military base, lapnagon man ang human rights violations,” Bosque added.

Protest leaders also opposed what they described as unequal military agreements, particularly with the United States, warning that such arrangements could draw the Philippines into wider geopolitical conflicts, including tensions involving China.

They further called for an end to U.S.-led military interventions worldwide, stressing the need for an independent foreign policy rooted in national interest and self-determination.