5 ABANDONED CASKETS FOUND ACROSS METRO MANILA; PNP LAUNCHES PROBE

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is investigating the discovery of five abandoned caskets found in different areas of Metro Manila early Friday, August 7, 2026.

According to the NCRPO, the caskets were intentionally 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 revealed that masked individuals aboard white and gray vans allegedly left the caskets between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. Authorities are now reviewing CCTV footage and gathering evidence to identify those responsible.

The NCRPO said the caskets contained anti-CPP-NPA and anti-China messages, prompting authorities to look into the possible motive behind the unusual incident.

One of the caskets discovered at the Boy Scout Circle along Timog Avenue, Quezon City, reportedly contained photos of two individuals. Witnesses said two men and a woman aboard a white van were seen leaving the casket before fleeing the area.

Similar discoveries were reported in Caloocan City, Makati City, and Sta. Cruz, Manila, leading authorities to conduct security inspections. Bomb squad personnel later confirmed that no explosives or hazardous materials were found inside the caskets.

The Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a comprehensive investigation, with NCRPO investigators conducting CCTV backtracking and forward-tracking operations to determine the identities of those behind the incident.

The NCRPO vowed that those responsible will face criminal charges once identified.

“This cowardly act will not be left unpunished. NCRPO will ensure that the identity of those behind these acts will be uncovered and criminal cases will be filed upon completion of the investigation.”

Authorities continue to investigate whether the abandoned caskets were part of a coordinated activity or an isolated incident, while urging the public to remain vigilant and report any information that may assist the probe.