18-10-2023 (MANILA) Thousands of people gathered in the southern Philippines to voice their opposition to Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip in response to deadly cross-border raids by Hamas militants. The participants at this protest displayed their solidarity by waving Palestinian flags, donning the colors of the Palestinian flag on their cheeks, and offering prayers.
Speakers at the demonstration called for an immediate cessation of Israeli military operations and urged the United States and the United Nations to maintain a neutral stance in the ongoing conflict. The Philippines, predominantly Catholic, is home to a significant Muslim minority, primarily residing in the southern region. This area had endured decades of armed Islamic separatist insurgencies until a peace treaty was signed nine years ago.
The peaceful protest, which lasted for four hours, took place at a public park in Cotabato, a city with a substantial Muslim population of over 200,000 residents. Cotabato police estimated that approximately 25,000 individuals participated in the demonstration.
Placards bore messages such as “Free Palestine!” and “Bangsamoro against injustices,” referencing the Muslim self-governed region on Mindanao. Uniformed police and soldiers maintained a discreet presence nearby.
Cotabato police officer Marouf Guiali reported, “The protest has just been concluded without incident.”
