DFA condemns anti-Chinese casket display
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday condemned caskets bearing anti-Chinese messages found across Metro Manila and cited the Philippine government’s duty to protect foreign nationals and officials in the country.
“The DFA 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 DFA said in a statement.
The department said that while the Philippines upholds the right to freedom of expression, that right “does not extend to threats of violence or acts that endanger the safety and security of others.”
The statement came after police recovered five wooden caskets in across Metro Manila bearing anti-China and anti-Communist Party of China messages. Some also contained threats directed at Chinese officials, prompting a police investigation.
READ: Police: 5 caskets with ‘anti-China, anti-CPP’ messages found across NCR
The caskets were found in Santa Cruz, Manila; Barangay 54 in Caloocan City; Barangay South Triangle and Barangay Santa Teresita in Quezon City; and along Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati City, according to the National Capital Region Police Office.
The DFA added that the casket display did not reflect the Philippine government’s approach to conducting its foreign relations or how Filipinos express criticism or dissatisfaction, even on sensitive political issues.
The deparment also underscored the government’s responsibility to ensure the safety of foreign nationals and officials.
“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,” the department said.
The DFA said it is closely coordinating with law enforcement authorities, which are “taking the necessary steps to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine accountability for this reckless act.”
Police are reviewing closed-circuit television footage and other evidence to identify those responsible. No arrests have been announced. /das
