The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) assured the public and foreign nationals in the Philippines on Friday, August 7, 2026, following the discovery of several abandoned caskets bearing hate messages in various parts of Metro Manila.

In a statement, the DFA said such acts, including those directed at foreign nationals and officials, should not be tolerated. 

"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, adding that such incidents do not reflect the Philippine government's approach to conducting its foreign relations, nor how Filipinos express criticism or dissatisfaction, even on sensitive political matters. 

The DFA also reaffirmed its commitment to its duties regarding the safety and security of foreign nationals and officials in the country.

The DFA's statement came after the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) confirmed reports on the discovery of abandoned caskets in several areas in Metro Manila earlier that day. 

In its statement, the NCRPO said initial investigation revealed that five caskets were intentionally abandoned in Sta. Cruz, Manila; Brgy. 54, Caloocan City; Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City; Brgy. Sta. Teresita, Quezon City; and Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. 

The caskets were deliberately left by perpetrators wearing masks on board white and gray vans between 2:00 and 4:00 in the morning of August 7, 2026, and contained anti-CPP-NPA and anti-China messages.

Among the specific sites, one casket was found near the Carriedo Fountain in Sta. Cruz, Manila, while others turned up along Timog Avenue and at the Welcome Rotonda area in Quezon City, aside from the sites in Caloocan and Makati. Banners attached to the caskets recovered in Quezon City carried the messages "Chinese Communist Party (CCP) greedy! 

Salot" and "Greedy salot," while a separate casket bore photos of two unidentified individuals. Responding police units who inspected the caskets found that they contained only crumpled paper.

PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., has ordered a comprehensive probe to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the incidents. He said the PNP is aware of the circulating videos and social media posts on the abandoned caskets, and that concerned police units are validating each reported incident while coordinating with local government units and other agencies concerned. 

NCRPO investigators are now on the ground conducting thorough backtracking and forward tracking of CCTV footage to identify the masked individuals behind the incidents. 

Police units across Metro Manila have also been placed on heightened vigilance, with the NCRPO urging the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and report any suspicious activity.

"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," the NCRPO said.

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