Protesters breach Malacañang security

MANILA, Philippines – Leftist militants protesting the government’s handling of the Sabah situation held a lightning rally inside Malacañang Thursday morning, March 7, after breaching Palace security.

Women activists clash with cops on eve of #womensday #Philippines Photo @zyannambrosiofb.me/BJJrJP6M #CSW57 twitter.com/gabrielaphils/…

— GABRIELA(@gabrielaphils) March 7, 2013

Radio DZMM reporter Noel Alamar reported that about 100 members of Gabriela and League of Filipino students were able to get past the main gate of Malacañang’s administration building around 10:30 a.m. 

Gabriela said 2 of its members were arrested — Eule Bonganay and Abigail Extremadura. The group is scheduled to hold a press conference at 1 p.m.

Eule Bonganay and Abigail Extremadura protesters arrested in Malacanang for holding PNoy accountable for #rape of motherland #womensday

— Gabriela WomensParty (@GabrielaWomenPL) March 7, 2013

Malacañang security was caught off guard, Alamar reported. The commotion took a while. The Presidential Security Group (PSG) and Malacañang police had to push away the militants from the Malacañang grounds to Recto Avenue. 

They were protesting the Aquino government’s supposed lack of action to preserve the country’s sovereignty over Sabah. “We condemn the violent dispersal and arrests of Gabriela members at Malacañang holding US-Aquino government accountable for rape of motherland,” said Gabriela Rep Luz Ilagan on Twitter.

We condemn the violent dispersal & arrests of GABRIELA members at Malacanang holding US-Aquino govt accountable for #rape of motherland

— Rep. Luz Ilagan (@RepLuzIlagan) March 7, 2013

President Benigno Aquino III called on the followers of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III who are holed up in Sabah to surrender. It is his position that there is no room for any negotiation if they continue to bear arms. – Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler.com