DFA Condemns Caskets Bearing Anti-Chinese Message in Metro Manila

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) condemned on Friday the placement of caskets bearing an anti-Chinese message in various parts of Metro Manila. In a statement, the DFA said the agency does not condone threats or acts of violence against any individual including foreign nationals and officials. The incident was an "irresponsible and disrespectful act" that cannot be tolerated, according to the DFA. "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. Such actions do not reflect the government's approach to conducting its foreign relations and are not representative of how Filipinos express criticism or dissatisfaction even on sensitive political issues, it added. According to the DFA, the government takes seriously its obligations to ensure the safety and security of foreign nationals and officials in the country, including commitments under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. “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,” it added. Authorities are looking into the appearance of at least five caskets left along roads in different parts of Metro Manila early Friday morning. The caskets were reported in Quezon City, Caloocan, Makati, and Manila. — RSJ, GMA News