Filipino Protesters Rally Against U.S.-Philippines 'Balikatan' Military Drills
Demonstrators gathered outside the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City to protest the launch of the annual "Balikatan" joint military drills. The drills involve over 17,000 troops from the US, Philippines, and other allied nations. Amid a recently declared national energy emergency, protesters carried placards reading "Stop Balikatan" and demanded the withdrawal of US troops and missiles from the country.
Date: April 20, 2026
Location: Southeast Asia, Philippines
Category: protest
Severity: MEDIUM
Source: Xinhua