MANILA, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Amid high fuel prices and harsh livelihood conditions, the Philippines and the United States launched their annual joint military drills in the Philippine capital Manila on Monday, with five other nations participating.

Filipino protesters held a rally outside the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Monday morning, holding placards reading "Stop Balikatan,""Pull out U.S. troops and missiles," and "U.S. imperialist No.1 Terrorist."

"Blindly obeying the United States is pushing us into the risk of war," said Gabriel Magtibay, national chairperson of the League of Filipino Students. He said that the Philippines should not be used to serve the war agenda of the United States.

The "Balikatan," which means "Shoulder-to-shoulder," involves over 17,000 troops, including contingents from Australia, Canada, France, Japan and New Zealand, and will last until May 8, according to a press statement.

Amid the Middle East conflict, the Philippines declared a state of national energy emergency in late March. Filipinos have been criticizing the government for allowing U.S. military presence in the Philippines, and calling for improvement in the economy and people's livelihood. ■