MANILA, Philippines — Police armed with truncheon, shields and water hose have clashed with more than 100 left-wing activists who rallied at the U.S. Embassy in Manila to oppose a visit by President Barack Obama and a looming pact that will increase the American military presence in the Philippines.
Riot policemen blocked the flag-waving activists near the heavily fortified embassy compound Wednesday but the protesters slipped past them, sparking a brief scuffle in view of motorists stuck in traffic.
The police sprayed the protesters with water from a fire truck to push them away. A police officer was punched in the face in the melee but no arrests were made.
Obama arrives in Manila on Monday for an overnight stop after visiting Japan, South Korea and Malaysia.