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The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday condemned the caskets bearing anti-China messages abandoned in several parts of Metro Manila, saying it does not tolerate acts or threats of violence against any individual, including foreign nationals and foreign officials. Courtesy: NCRPO via Karen de Guzman, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday condemned the caskets bearing anti-China messages abandoned in several parts of Metro Manila, saying it does not tolerate acts or threats of violence against any individual, including foreign nationals and foreign officials.
Mga kabaong natagpuan sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Metro Manila
In a statement, the DFA said such "irresponsible and disrespectful acts cannot 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," it said.
The agency stressed that the incident does not reflect the Philippine government's conduct of foreign relations or the way Filipinos express criticism or dissatisfaction, even on sensitive political issues.
The DFA also reaffirmed that the government takes seriously its obligations to ensure the safety and security of foreign nationals and officials in the country, including commitments under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
It said it is closely coordinating with law enforcement authorities investigating the incident and identifying those responsible.
The statement came after the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) launched an intensive investigation into the discovery of five abandoned caskets in separate areas across Metro Manila before dawn Friday.
According to the NCRPO, the caskets were recovered in Sta. Cruz, Manila; Barangay 54 in Caloocan City; Barangay South Triangle and Barangay Sta. Teresita in Quezon City; and along Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati City.
Initial investigation showed the caskets were deliberately abandoned by masked individuals riding white and gray vans between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.
Police said the caskets contained anti-CPP-NPA and anti-China messages.
'COWARDLY ACT'
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incidents, with NCRPO investigators conducting backtracking and forward tracking of CCTV footage to identify those involved.
"NCRPO is treating these incidents as deliberate acts intended to attract attention, provoke public reaction, and possibly create unnecessary alarm," the police said.
Police units across Metro Manila have also been directed to heighten vigilance and prevent similar incidents while the investigation is ongoing.
"This cowardly act will not be left unpunished. NCRPO will ensure that the identity of those who are behind these acts will be uncovered and criminal cases will be filed upon completion of the investigation," the NCRPO said.
In a separate statement, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said it has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to identify the perpetrators, determine the motive behind the incidents, trace the vehicles used, and establish the source of the recovered caskets.
Authorities said the recovered caskets are now under police custody for further examination.
Both the NCRPO and QCPD urged the public to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and report any information that may help investigators.
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