The Philippine Embassy in Rome has urged Filipinos in Italy to exercise heightened caution as demonstrations against high living costs are expected across several major cities on Saturday, October 24.
In a official advisory, the embassy said protests are expected in Rome, Milan, Florence, Turin, Bologna, Padua, Bari, and Genoa, with multiple marches also planned in parts of Rome.
While many demonstrations may remain peaceful, the embassy warned that recent protests had resulted in clashes with police, property damage, looting, and other public disturbances.
Italian authorities are preparing for another wave of demonstrations following online calls from an organization known as “Movimento 17 ottobre,” or October 17 Movement, for a “permanent mobilization against the government of bosses.”
Italian media outlets, including Il Tempo, DIRE, and The Florentine, reported that the demonstrations are scheduled to start at 3 p.m. local time, or 9 p.m. in Manila.
The planned protests are expected to coincide with other separately organized demonstrations previously announced in various Italian cities.
According to sources cited by Italian news agency Adnkronos, authorities in Rome have ordered enhanced preventive controls and intelligence monitoring of social media messages to detect and prevent calls for unrest.
The Philippine Embassy strongly encouraged Filipino nationals to avoid areas where demonstrations, large gatherings, confrontations, or other disturbances are taking place.
It advised Filipinos to avoid unnecessary travel to areas with scheduled or ongoing protests on October 24, keep a low profile, monitor local news, maintain communication with family members and trusted contacts, and ensure they have adequate supplies.
The embassy also urged Filipinos to remain calm, exercise prudence, and prioritize their personal safety and that of their families.
Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced tougher security measures following youth-led protests in Milan the previous weekend.
The Italian government approved a plan to deploy 500 troops in Milan and impose fines of up to €20,000, or approximately P1.4 million, and prison terms of up to five years for members of groups of at least five people who endanger public safety.
Parents may also be held financially liable for damage caused by their children through vandalism and looting.
“Demonstrating is a right, devastating our cities is not,” Meloni said in a social media post.