The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) strongly condemned the public display of caskets bearing anti-China messages, emphasizing that the Philippine government strictly rejects any actions that encourage violence or jeopardize the safety of foreign nationals and officials.
The statement followed the discovery of a white casket decorated with photos of Chinese leaders and the Chinese flag along Buendia Avenue in Makati City.
“Such irresponsible and disrespectful acts cannot be tolerated,” the DFA stated.
While upholding the public’s right to free speech, the DFA clarified that constitutional freedoms must not serve as a pretext for inciting violence or endangering public safety. The agency added that the stunt does not reflect official Philippine foreign policy, nor does it represent how Filipinos typically voice disagreement on sensitive geopolitical matters.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of ongoing maritime disputes between Manila and Beijing in the West Philippine Sea. China continues to claim nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, despite a 2016 Hague arbitral ruling that invalidated Beijing’s sweeping territorial claims.
Reaffirming its commitments under the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations, the DFA assured the safety of diplomatic personnel in the country and confirmed it is collaborating with law enforcement to investigate the incident and identify those involved.