The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday condemned the display of caskets bearing anti-Chinese messages, asserting that the government tolerates no acts or threats of violence against any individual, including foreign nationals and officials.
In a statement, the DFA branded the incident “irresponsible and disrespectful.” While emphasizing that the Philippines honors the right to freedom of expression, the agency noted that such rights “do not cover threats of violence or actions that compromise the safety and security of others.”
The department stressed that the display does not reflect the Philippine government’s position on foreign relations or how Filipinos express grievances, even regarding sensitive political issues. It further reiterated the nation’s commitment to protecting foreign nationals and officials in accordance with its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
Law enforcement authorities are actively investigating the display to uncover the circumstances behind the incident and identify those responsible, with the DFA coordinating closely on the matter.