Five abandoned coffins bearing anti-China messages were found in separate locations across Metro Manila on Aug. 7, prompting the Philippine National Police to launch an investigation.
According to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), the coffins were deliberately left in Sta. Cruz, Manila; Barangay 54 in Caloocan City; Barangay South Triangle and Barangay Sta. Teresita in Quezon City; and along Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati City.
Initial investigation showed that unidentified suspects wearing masks allegedly abandoned the coffins between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. while using a white van and a gray van.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
The NCRPO said investigators are reviewing closed-circuit television footage from the affected areas to identify those responsible.
Police described the incident as a series of “deliberate acts” intended to attract public attention, provoke public reaction and create fear.
In response, police units across Metro Manila were instructed to strengthen security measures and increase patrols to prevent similar incidents.
Authorities also urged the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and immediately report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
The NCRPO said it would pursue those responsible and assured the public that appropriate criminal charges would be filed once the investigation is completed.
As of the latest report, authorities have not identified the suspects or disclosed the specific messages written on the abandoned coffins. The investigation remains ongoing as police continue gathering evidence and reviewing surveillance footage from the affected locations.
