Activists hold protest outside US Embassy

MANILA -- Ahead of the arrival of US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, a group of activists tried to go near the gates of the US Embassy in Manila on Friday. The group held a 30-minute protest outside the embassy and later marched to the Plaza Ferguson to denounce the US and Philippine talks. Hagel came to Manila as the Philippines and the US began their second round of talks in Washington to increase the rotational presence of US forces in the Philippines. Hagel stressed that America is not seeking a permanent base in the Philippines. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, meanwhile, said the partnership is important to achieve peace in the region. ANC Dateline Philippines, August 30, 2013