Philippines foreign affairs ministry condemns anti-Chinese stunt in Manila
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday condemned anti-China incidents in the capital, where five caskets with Chinese flags and picture of its leader, were left at roadsides.
One of the five caskets found in Sta. Cruz, Manila city. Photo from NCRPO.
Anna Mogato | August 7, 2026
MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday condemned anti-China incidents in the capital, where five caskets with Chinese flags and picture of its leader, were left at roadsides.
In a statement, the foreign ministry said that the “irresponsible and disrespectful acts” cannot be tolerated, and that they are closely coordinating with the law enforcement authorities to identify the perpetrators behind the “reckless act.”
“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 statement read.
“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 also said that it continues to uphold its obligation to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) earlier reported that masked men onboard grey and white vans deliberately abandoned the caskets with “anti-CPP-NPA and anti-China messages” at around 2 AM to 4 AM on Friday. (Also read: Security adviser opposes peace talks with Maoist rebels)
The said caskets, which bore the message: “Chinese Communist Party Greedy! Pest!”, were later spotted in the cities of Manila, Caloocan, Quezon and Makati.
“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,” NCRPO said in the statement.
The stunt comes weeks after the Philippines became brunt of a racist AI-generated video posted by state media China Daily which coincided with the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling which recognized the country’s entitlements on some parts of the South China Sea.