Protesters burn effigy of Trump with a Hitler mustache in Manila

Activists burned a 13-foot effigy of Donald Trump in a Hitler costume in protest at the US President's visit to the Philippines.

About a thousand protesters clashed with riot police in Manila on Monday outside the convention center where the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings were held.

Several people were reportedly injured in the riot as police turned water cannons on protesters ahead of Donald Trump's arrival.

Carrying placards declaring "Dump Trump" and "Down with U.S. Imperialism", the left-wing protesters were blocked by police in riot gear with shields and batons.

A huge effigy of Trump, with a Hitler mustache and his limbs arranged in a swastika shape, was burned in the street.

New Patriotic Alliance Secretary-General, Renato Reyes, said: "We are protesting the upcoming bilateral meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

"We believe that the meeting will not bring any benefits to the Filipino people.

"It will rather worsen the human rights situation in the Philippines and drag the Philippines into various conflicts, not in its interests or choosing."

The crowd was trying to reach U.S. embassy - but were showered with jets of water from a fire engine.

After protesters were dispersed, Alexis Danday, 18, said: "Trump is the CEO of the imperialist government of the US.

"We know he is here to push for unfair treaties between the Philippines and the U.S."

The U.S. President arrived in Manila for a gala event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Association of South-East Asian Nations and other east Asian nations yesterday.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte greeted Trump and other leaders one by one as they arrived at the convention center.

Trump, dressed in a traditional Barong, and Duterte shook hands twice and exchanged pleasantries. They then posed for a photo before heading off for dinner.

He is also due to meet leaders from East Asia Summit countries, such as China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, during the two-day meeting.

Prior to his arrival in the Philippines, Trump said he was prepared to mediate in the dispute over the South China Sea, where four ASEAN countries and Taiwan contest China's sweeping claims to the busy waterway.

He flew to the Philippines from Vietnam, where he met President Duterte on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings.

There, he said: "If I can help mediate or arbitrate, please let me know. I'm a very good mediator and arbitrator."

The Philippines will be Trump's last stop on a marathon tour that has taken him to Japan, South Korea, China as well as Vietnam."