Police Gain Lead on Group Behind Metro Manila Coffin Dumps

Police have gained significant leads in identifying the group responsible for dumping empty coffins bearing anti-communist and anti-China slogans across Metro Manila on Friday. The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) saw a breakthrough in its investigation after one of the individuals involved in unloading a coffin at Welcome Rotonda came forward and is cooperating with authorities. Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio, QCPD director, stated that the driver of the Toyota Hi-Ace van used to transport the coffin revealed that different vehicles were utilized for the delivery of the coffins. Four other coffins were discovered in various locations, including Barangay South Triangle in Quezon City, Barangay 54 in Caloocan, Sta. Cruz, Manila, and along Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati. According to Silvio, the drivers were paid P8,000 each, with their helpers receiving P1,000 each for unloading the coffins. He declined to comment when asked if the group responsible for the stunt, which angered the Chinese embassy, had been identified. "The QCPD assures the public that all leads are being thoroughly pursued and that appropriate criminal charges will be filed against those found responsible for this incident," Silvio said. A video obtained by GMA News showed a woman involved in the dumping admitting it was part of their protest against China’s aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). "For us Filipinos and the fisherfolk of WPS – look at who we are fighting for," she stated. Based on footage captured by a resident, the woman was reportedly left behind by her companions in a van after they placed the coffin on the road. Explaining her involvement, she claimed they belong to a party-list group and a Chinese community. "We are only showing how we feel inside; there is nothing wrong with that," she added. This incident highlights the complex sentiments within the Philippines regarding China's assertive actions in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippine government faces the delicate task of defending its sovereignty while maintaining diplomatic ties with China. Such citizen-led protests, like the coffin dumping, reflect these underlying political tensions.