THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday, August 7, 2026, condemned what it described as “acts of threats and violence” following the discovery of several abandoned caskets in various parts of Metro Manila.
In a statement, the DFA said such irresponsible and disrespectful acts, including those directed at foreign nationals and officials, should not be tolerated.
“While the Philippines upholds the right to freedom of expression, the DFA emphasizes that this right does not extend to threats of violence or acts that endanger the safety and security of others. Such actions do not reflect the Philippine government’s approach to conducting its foreign relations, nor do they represent how Filipinos express criticism or dissatisfaction, even on sensitive political matters,” it said.
“The Philippine government reaffirms that it takes seriously its duties and obligations concerning the safety and security of foreign nationals and officials in the country, including those arising from the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations,” it added.
Earlier Friday, August 7, several caskets bearing anti-Chinese Communist Party (CCP) messages and photos of Chinese officials were found abandoned in Sta. Cruz, Manila; Barangay 54, Caloocan City; Barangay South Triangle and Barangay Sta. Teresita in Quezon City; and along Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati City.
Police said unidentified individuals wearing masks and riding white and gray vans left the caskets between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.
The banners attached to the caskets recovered in Quezon City bore the messages: “Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Greedy! Salot” and “Greedy Salot.” (TPM/SunStar Philippines)