The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday condemned the abandoned caskets bearing anti-China messages found in different parts of Metro Manila, saying threats or acts of violence against foreign nationals and officials cannot be tolerated.
In a statement issued on August 7, the DFA stressed that while the Philippines upholds the right to freedom of expression, such freedom does not extend to threats of violence or actions that endanger public safety.
"The Department of Foreign Affairs does not condone acts or threats of violence against any individual, including foreign nationals or officials. Such irresponsible and disrespectful acts cannot be tolerated," the agency said.
Five abandoned caskets were discovered in various locations across Metro Manila early Friday. The caskets reportedly contained anti-China and anti-CPP-NPA messages, along with photographs of two unidentified individuals.
One of the caskets carried a poster that read, "Chinese Communist Party, Greedy, Salot," while a red flag bearing the words "Chinese community" was also placed on top of it.
The DFA emphasized that the incident does not reflect the Philippine government's approach to foreign relations or the manner in which Filipinos express criticism on political issues.
"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," the department said.
It added that the government remains committed to ensuring the safety of foreign nationals and officials in the country, in accordance with its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
"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," the DFA said.
The department also said it is coordinating closely with law enforcement authorities to identify and hold those responsible for the incident accountable.
The Philippine National Police - National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Friday that they have launched an investigation into the abandoned caskets.
