Philippines threatens to deport foreign activists who protest after a PETA demonstration

Philippines threatens to deport foreign protesters

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine immigration chief warned foreign activists on Thursday that they can be deported for taking part in protests after a demonstration by bikini-clad members of the animal rights group PETA.

Protesters from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals went to the Manila Zoo on Tuesday and posed for photographers while wearing heart-shaped signs that read “Have a Heart, Boycott the Zoo” over their bathing suits.

Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said the activists — from Canada, Australia and Argentina — violated the conditions of their tourist visas and would be deported if they did not stop.

“They cannot just protest here, especially if it violates the culture of Filipinos,” he said. “Foreigners should have no business joining these mass actions because it is tantamount to meddling in our country’s internal affairs.”

Activist Ashley Furno of Canada called the warning a shock because there was nothing in their visas to prohibit protesting. She also contends that the bikinis were tame compared with what can be seen widely on television and in magazines in the Philippines.

“It won’t stop our protests, and it won’t stop us from speaking for animals,” she added.

Norfolk, Virginia-based PETA is known for staging untraditional protests and taking out provocative ads to raise awareness about animal rights.

The liberal alliance Bayan said a Japanese activist who took part in 2002 protests against U.S.-Philippine military exercises was put on a flight back to Japan on Wednesday after he arrived at Manila’s airport to take part in a labor gathering.