Five Caskets Bearing Anti-China and Anti-Communist Messages Found Abandoned Across Metro Manila

Unidentified masked individuals in vans abandoned at least five caskets bearing anti-China and anti-communist messages in various locations across Metro Manila before dawn on Friday, August 7, according to police reports. The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) confirmed the deliberate placement of these caskets in several areas including Sta. Cruz in Manila; Barangay 54 in Caloocan City; Barangays South Triangle and Sta. Teresita in Quezon City; and along Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati City.

The NCRPO stated that the caskets were intentionally left by perpetrators wearing masks who arrived in gray and white vans between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. on the morning of August 7. The contents of the caskets included messages opposing the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) and China.

One of the caskets was discovered in front of the Chinese Embassy in Makati by passersby. This particular coffin was accompanied by a red flag displaying the words "greedy" and "salot," which translates to "plague" in Filipino, underscoring the critical tone of the messages.

No individual or group has come forward to claim responsibility for the placement of these caskets. Authorities have launched an investigation and are reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to identify those responsible for the stunt.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has secured the caskets and related materials as evidence. Their objective is to determine the origin and purpose of the caskets and to assess whether any laws or local ordinances were violated by the act.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) promptly condemned the incident, emphasizing that it does not condone acts or threats of violence against any person, including foreign nationals or officials. The DFA described the stunt as irresponsible and disrespectful, stating that such actions cannot be tolerated.

Further, the DFA clarified that while the Philippines upholds the right to freedom of expression, this right does not extend to threats or acts that endanger the safety and security of others. The department stressed that the caskets do not represent the Philippine government's approach to foreign relations nor the manner in which Filipinos express criticism or dissatisfaction, even on sensitive political issues.