Student activists slam continued US intervention

AS THE country marks 66 years since the declaration of Philippine independence from United States colonialism, a progressive youth organization called on other youths to take a stand against the continuing intervention of US imperialists in the country.

"Sixty-six years and it seems Uncle Sam never left Philippine soils. Let us not allow the country to be used as a battlefield for US imposition of its presence in the Asia-Pacific region," said Jaja Necosia, Davao City spokesperson of League of Filipino Students, said in a statement Wednesday.

The statement was issued amid ongoing "US-Philippines war games in Mindanao and the Aquino government's request for US to police the contested Panatag shoal area by flying US spy planes over Philippine territories."

"There's no reason to celebrate US-PH Friendship day. This is unilateral and benefits the US alone. We are ‘friends with benefits’ for the US government who are now sending their war machines in the Philippines to heighten US military presence in the Asia-Pacific Region," he said.

They added that in April this year, the joint-military exercises between US and Philippines in Subic Bay and in Zamboanga were greeted by massive protests nationwide.

"We are still under US indirect colonial rule. They never left the country and the Balikatan Exercises in Sarangani Bay and PNoy’s plead to fly US spy planes over Philippine territories are proofs to that," Necosia said.

"The Aquino administration clearly favors the interests of his foreign master. PNoy has allowed more US troops to wreak terror in Philippines, he has allowed foreign large-scale mining to plunder our natural resources," the statement added. (ANC)