Leftist protesters won’t be allowed near the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City where the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit is happening, but maybe this 13-foot effigy of United States President Donald Trump with four spinning arms will be big enough to catch the president’s attention.
At least that’s what protestors from Philippine militant organizations hope to do.
The effigy shows Trump with four arms that form a swastika sign, with one arm holding a shovel, one holding a gun, one holding a missile, and the other, a money bag. According to Renato Reyes of leftist Bagong Alanysang Makabayan (BAYAN) the three items symbolize”fascism, war, and plunder.”
The effigy was created by artist group Ugat Lahi.
“Trump represents the worst aspects of US imperialism. His visit to the Philippines will bring more harm than good,” Bayan was quoted in the Philippine Star.
The group also noted that they believe Trump seeks to “maintain the grossly unequal relations between the US and Philippines.”
They added, “he is no friend of the Filipino people. He is right now the biggest threat to regional peace with his provocation against North Korea.”
A video of the effigy with the spinning arms was posted on Facebook by Che Delos Reyes around 6:40 am this morning.
The hashtag #DumpTrump by several left-leaning groups began yesterday. Authorities used water cannons to stop the protestors from reaching the US embassy in Manila, although no one was reported injured in the protests.
According to Rappler, not more than 1,500 protesters are expected to attend the events. Over 60,000 security officers have been deployed to secure the event.
