By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
The Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to track down the culprits behind five caskets, with messages against China and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, that were left across Metro Manila on Friday.
In a news release Friday, PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units are coordinating with the concerned local government units and other appropriate agencies.
Five caskets were abandoned in Sta. Cruz, Manila; Barangay 54, Caloocan City; Barangay South Triangle and Barangay Sta. Teresita in Quezon City; and along Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati City.
Reports said the caskets were left by persons on board white and gray vans between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. Friday.
“The recovered caskets, together with other materials found at the scene, have been secured as part of the investigation to establish their origin, purpose, and whether any laws or local ordinances may have been violated,” said PGen. Nartatez.
“The PNP encourages the public to rely only on verified information from official sources and to refrain from sharing unverified claims or speculation that may cause unnecessary confusion. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is encouraged to report it to the nearest police station, through official PNP communication channels, or by calling Unified 911.”
In a separate statement, the NCRPO said investigators are reviewing security cameras in the areas where the coffins were found.
“NCRPO is treating these incidents as deliberate acts intended to attract attention, provoke public reaction, and possibly create unnecessary alarm. Police units across Metro Manila have been directed to strengthen vigilance and prevent any similar occurrence while the investigation continues,” the NCRPO said.
Responding Quezon City Police District officers said the caskets contained crumpled papers.
DFA condemns anti-Chinese casket display, vows accountability
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that the Philippines does not condone acts or threats of violence against any foreign national or official, stressing that the government “takes seriously its duties and obligations” concerning their safety and security in the country.
“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 agency said in a statement.
It stressed that 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 is closely coordinating with law enforcement authorities, who are taking the necessary steps to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine accountability for this reckless act,” the DFA said. (with report from Joyce Ann L. Rocamora / PNA)
