Violence mars militant protest at US Embassy

FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Police clashed briefly with 500-strong protesters after they tried to penetrate the grounds of United States Embassy along Roxas Boulevard in Manila on Wednesday.

The militant groups, who were staging a lightning rally against American forces, became unruly after the police had blocked them from storming the US embassy.

One group managed to enter the US embassy while the others failed in their attempt after police fired water cannon at them.

Earlier ‎Monday, the southbound lane of Roxas Boulevard was closed because of the protest. As of 12 noon, however, both lanes have been re-opened by the Manila traffic authorities.

As of posting, the unruly crowd had been contained by the authorities as they dispersed the area.

Police cannot confirm yet whether there were arrests and injuries in the scuffle.

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