Atin ang Pinas: Protest banners fill UP Diliman grad rites venue

Various protest placards filled the amphitheater during the 108th General Commencement Exercises of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City on Sunday.

Before the ceremony ended, a group student protesters gathered in front of the stage, holding placards with inscriptions: "free education, better academic program, press freedom, impunity, and human rights," among others.

On the stage, students and teachers raise a long red banner with the message "Atin Ang Pinas."

Also, the protesters staged a lightning rally while singing the UP hymn "UP Naming Mahal.”

Amid issues on territorial security, and protection of the Philippines' sovereignty in disputed areas, President Rodrigo Duterte in an earlier speech said the Philippines cannot assert sovereignty over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and prohibit Chinese fishermen from exploring the territory because, he said, "no country in the world has that right."

Lawmakers and diplomats have criticized Duterte's remark, with other hinting at impeachment moves for the President's failure to defend the national interest.

After singing the university, some students and teachers shouted chants declaring their resistance against some of Duterte's policies and statements. Around 5,000 students attended the graduation ceremony in Quezon City. —LBG, GMA News