Protesters Rally At U.S. Embassy In Manila Ahead Of Clinton Visit

November 11, 2009 3:31 p.m. EST

Manila, Philippines (AHN) - Student protesters marched in front of the U.S. embassy in Manila on Wednesday, a day before U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrives for a two-day visit.

The protesters said they will return Thursday to the embassy along Roxas Boulevard to greet Clinton with messages against the U.S.-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement, a bilateral defense and security pact.

It will be Clinton's first visit to the Philippines as state secretary. Her plane is scheduled to land at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in the afternoon.

Part of her first day itinerary is to meet President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the presidential palace to discuss counterterrorism and climate change. Clinton will also meet with typhoon victims in Manila, commemorate Veterans Day at the American Cemetery in Makati City, and swear in new Peace Corps volunteers at the U.S. embassy.

The secretary will depart Manila for Singapore Friday to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Conference meeting.