The massive protest action against the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation in Manila by militant activists eluded the Philippine National Police containment team at Liwasang Bonifacio and reached Buendia Avenue and Roxas Boulevard near the summit venues at the Manila Bay reclamation complex. There, hundreds of geared-up police officers, fire trucks and steel containers were waiting to drive them away and prevent them from holding a rally. These are photos of what transpired on the streets of Manila last November 18, 2015.
The protesters as they reach the police line.
The protesters hold their line against against a well-trained and geared-up police line.
The police used water cannons against the protesters when their line was about to be breached.
Powerful water jets bombard the protesters for many minutes but they in turn hold their line.
It was the protester who was holding the ‘victory” or “peace’ sign despite being hit by water cannons and truncheons.
The shoving took a temporary break as the water cannon continues to blast the protesters.
The police again advance behind water blasts as the protesters hold up their signs in defiance.
The protesters advance as well to meet the police anew.
Anakbayan leader Vencer Crisostomo raises fist in defiance of another push by the police.
A straw hat-wearing activist shouting the command to comrades to not retreat from the helmeted police assault.
Activists lend their strength to their front-liners as they weather another push from the police.
The activists manage to push back the advancing police.
The protesters manage to hold their own with nothing but bare hands.
As reinforcements arrived, the police hold their line as well.
The “battle” finally stopped after the police agreed to allow the protesters to hold their program at the site, several kilometers away from Liwasang Bonifacio where APEC security plans wanted to “contain” the protests.
The activists celebrate their victory in bringing the protest near the summit venue.
Crisostomo’s hands go up to applaud his brave comrades.
Some of Crisostomo’s comrades joined in the applause for successfully holding the line against the police.
Drenched by the water cannon, a student manages to smile after hearing the announcement that their protest program is about to start.
A youth activist flashes the victory sign after the police has stopped their dispersal attempt.
An activist teacher displays his opposition to the APEC summit happening a short distance away.
Street children watching events unfold from their vantage point. Little do they know that it is about their future.
A youth activist tries to make the police understand why they should oppose the APEC as well.
A youth activist tries to make the police understand why they should oppose the APEC as well.
Managing to elude the many roadblocks the effigy of the ‘imperialist vulture’ makes its appearance at the rally.
The ‘imperialist vulture’ is burnt as the protest rally reaches its end.
(Photos by Raymund B. Villanueva)
