By Belarmino Dabalos Saguing, Rome, Italy, Sunday 28.07.2913
The Italian Police estimated over one thousand (2,000 according to organizer's estimate) Filipinos gathered
at the Piazza del Popolo (People’s Square) in Rome to protest China’s claim and
incursions in South China Sea and West Philippine Sea was assessed by the
organizers as a big success, considering that Filipinos, except for a group or two, are not known
to join a protest manifestation. This time, the Filipino’s love for their own
country as rallyting point, the usually rally-shy Filipinos flocked into the
square lugging with them placards and the national color.
The presence of big number of young Pinoys is significant,(
some of them born in Italy and visited the Philippines only once or twice in their
lifetime) and with great enthusiasm, the boys and girls joined the melee with their youthful vigor
and festive mood.
The baking heat of the sun failed to prevent the Filipinos
from singing and dancing their love for their country, chanting slogans from 4
to 9 pm. Even the police retreated t under the shade of buildings bordering
the square. (Yes, the Military Police were there as required by the law to ensure
that the right to free assembly is respected.)
Msgr. Jerry Bitoon observed: Some of the elderly pinoys were emotional as they sing
"Ang Bayan kong Pilipinas". The rally concluded with singing and
dancing to the delight of tourists passing by. "Guys, what's this, a rally
or a party", asked a young American. An elderly pinoy blurted, "It's
both". "It's more fun in the Filipino rally"! Amidst singing and
dancing, the Filipino community in Rome realized the seriousness of China's
disregard for international laws.
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