FILIPINO MILITANT STUDENTS WEARING MASKS GIVES A THUMBS-UP DOWN SIGN IN MANILA, 1999-01-26 (photo)

Filipino students wearing masks give thumbs-down sign while members of the Philippine marines blocked them during a protest in front of the Senate building in Manila were legislators and military officials held their first formal discussions on the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) January 26. The group registered their opposition to the proposed ratification of the VFA. The VFA once ratified will reinstate direct U.S. intervention in the country by allowing US troops and civilians on official duty free reign, access and movement throughout the county. RR/CC