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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Mysterious caskets draw reactions from advocacy groups

Mysterious caskets draw reactions from advocacy groups

Published Aug 8, 2026 08:45 am

Advocacy groups on Friday, August 7, said the mysterious caskets found in several parts of Metro Manila reflect mounting public frustration over tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), even as authorities continue to investigate who left the items and the motive behind them.

The groups, Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and the Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement (FDNY), said the caskets appeared to symbolize sentiments that many Filipinos have long wanted to express amid ongoing maritime disputes.

“The caskets may be anonymous, but the message is not, Filipinos have had enough,” said Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia, chairman emeritus of the four organizations, noting that the display reflects growing dissatisfaction over reported harassment of Filipino fishermen, obstruction of Philippine Coast Guard and Navy missions, and challenges to the country’s sovereign rights.

The groups echoed the sentiment, while clarifying that their criticism is directed at policies and actions they believe violate Philippine sovereignty and international law, not at ordinary Chinese citizens.

They also urged the government to continue asserting the country’s rights through diplomatic channels.

Authorities earlier recovered the caskets from parts of Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan, and Makati.

Police said the items contained crumpled papers and bore anti-CPP-NPA and anti-China messages.

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said it has identified the driver and vehicle allegedly used to unload one of the caskets, providing a key lead in the investigation. Police have yet to determine those responsible or whether the display was intended as a protest or another form of expression.

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