Protesters put down their "Dump Trump" placards as they dance prior to marching toward the US Embassy for a rally to coincide with the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, in Manila, Philippines. Left-wing and Muslim activists have asked President Rodrigo Duterte in a noisy protest to keep his promise of charting a foreign policy independent of America by staying away from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
The Associated Press
MANILA, Philippines (AP) - Left-wing and Muslim activists urged Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in a noisy protest to keep his promise of charting a foreign policy independent of America by staying away from Donald Trump who after he is sworn in as president on Friday.
The more than 200 protesters burned a U.S. flag near the U.S. Embassy in Manila and called for an end to the presence of American troops in the country. They held up signs, including one that read "Donald Trump don't mess with the Philippines."
The protesters said they find Trump more alarming than Barack Obama because of his offensive remarks against immigrants and Muslims.
"Obama sugar-coated imperialism but Trump has shown an in-your-face kind of imperialism," said protest leader Renato Reyes of the left-wing Bayan group, adding Duterte "should stick to his independent foreign policy."
Duterte blasted Obama for criticizing his deadly crackdown against illegal drugs but congratulated Trump in a phone call. He sent his national security adviser and press secretary to attend Trump's inauguration.
Troops prevented the activists from getting close to the U.S. Embassy's main gate.
Riot police retreat to allow protesters to get closer to the US Embassy to protest the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017 in Manila, Philippines. Left-wing and Muslim activists have asked President Rodrigo Duterte in a noisy protest to keep his promise of charting a foreign policy independent of America by staying away from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
The Associated Press
A protester shouts slogans while displaying an anti-Trump placard during a rally at the US Embassy to coincide with the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States Friday, Jan. 20, 2017 in Manila, Philippines. Left-wing and Muslim activists have asked President Rodrigo Duterte in a noisy protest to keep his promise of charting a foreign policy independent of America by staying away from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
The Associated Press
Protesters display placards as they march toward the US Embassy for a rally to coincide with the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, in Manila, Philippines. Left-wing and Muslim activists have asked President Rodrigo Duterte in a noisy protest to keep his promise of charting a foreign policy independent of America by staying away from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
The Associated Press
Protesters display "Dump Trump" placards prior to marching towards the US Embassy for a rally to coincide with the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, in Manila, Philippines. Left-wing and Muslim activists have asked President Rodrigo Duterte in a noisy protest to keep his promise of charting a foreign policy independent of America by staying away from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
The Associated Press