Filippinos denounce gov’t plan to grant US military more access to Philippines

A protester holds a placard calling for the junking of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) in front of policemen during a rally in observance of the Filipino-American Friendship Day in Manila, the Philippines, July 4, 2013.

The protesters denounce the plans of the Philippine government to grant the US military greater access to military bases and facilities inside the country. <Xinhua/NEWSis/Rouelle Umali>

Riot police block protesters from marching towards U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines to coincide with the US’ Fourth of July celebrations which incidentally are observed in the country as Filipino-American Friendship Day, Thursday July 4, 2013. <AP Photo/NEWSis/Bullit Marquez>