MANILA — Police have launched an investigation into what appears to be a coordinated protest after coffins bearing anti-China messages were abandoned in at least four locations across Metro Manila before dawn Friday, including near the Chinese Consulate in Makati City.
Authorities said the first incident was reported at the Boy Scout Circle along Timog Avenue in Quezon City, where barangay officials received a report at around 2:42 a.m. about a coffin left at the site.
The coffin was draped with a red banner carrying the message, “Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Greedy! Salot!”
Initial reports said two men and a woman were seen unloading the coffin before fleeing aboard a white van without license plates.
A few hours later, another similarly marked coffin was discovered near the Chinese Consulate in Barangay Bel-Air, Makati City.
Additional coffins were also found at Plaza Sta. Cruz in Manila and in Caloocan City, bringing the total number of reported incidents across the National Capital Region to four.
According to authorities, the coffins contained photographs of several Chinese officials, including the Chinese ambassador, as well as images of communist leaders. Some of the materials also bore words such as “salot” and “greedy.”
No individual or organization has claimed responsibility for the coordinated display.
Police are now reviewing available evidence and pursuing leads to identify those behind the incidents and determine the motive for the synchronized placement of the coffins, which occurred amid continuing tensions involving China-related issues./PN
