PH Embassy in France: No Filipinos harmed or arrested in French riots

The Philippine Embassy in Paris is urging Filipino nationals in France to avoid protest areas and large gatherings amid widespread protests across the country on Saturday.

In an advisory published on its social media accounts, the Embassy reported that no Filipinos have been injured, arrested, or among the casualties during violent incidents in Paris and other French cities. It added that it is “closely monitoring the situation and remains ready to assist.”

“The Philippine Embassy in France assures the Filipino nation that there have been no reports of casualties, injuries, or arrests among Filipino nationals in connection with the nationwide protests on 17 October,” the embassy’s advisory read.

Local media estimated that around 550,000 demonstrators took to the streets on Saturday, with rioters throwing objects at police and firefighting vehicles, setting cars and bicycles ablaze, and looting shopfronts.

Protesters are clamoring against the rising cost of living and fuel prices.

Protests of “rage-filled youth”

In Paris, Filipina domestic helper Bhong Kho was among the civilians affected by the violent protests.

In her eight years in France, Kho told GMA News she had never seen demonstrations she described as filled with rage.

“Iba yung mga batang protesters, masyadong energized. Give it all sila. Whatever it takes sila, ika nga. Willing sila na masaktan. Makikita sa daan ang mga batang may pinaglalaban, pero sumobra ang kanilang desire sa ipinaglalaban. Natakot ako bilang magulang para sa kanila. Yung pagiging violent nila, hindi ma-control. Imagine, kailangan nilang manira o magsunog.”

(Young protesters were different. They were energized and ready to give it all, whatever it takes. They were willing to get injured. On the streets, we could see the desire of the young protesters, but it became too much. As a parent, I felt afraid for them. They couldn’t control their violence. Imagine, they had to damage or set property on fire.)

Kho said she regretted going to work near Place de la Republique on Saturday, despite her teenage daughter telling her to avoid the center because of earlier announcements.

“In-occupy ng mga protesters yung metro stations. Nag-assemble sila station by station. At yung nasakyan namin, napuno ng nagpo-protesta. Wala silang pakialam kung mahila ka palabas kasi hindi ka kasama sa plano nila. Yung iba, inabutan ako ng banner. Pero pinakiusapan ko na lang sila nang maayos. Sabi ko nga, ‘Lord, pauwiin Mo muna ako.’”

(Protesters occupied and assembled at metro stations. The one I got on was filled with protesters. They didn’t care if you got pulled out because you're not part of their plan. Others handed me banners, but I politely declined. I told myself, ‘Lord, please help me get home.’”

Precautionary measures

The Embassy urges Filipinos to take precautions, such as prioritizing personal safety, remaining calm and apolitical, exercising caution on social media, and following local authorities' instructions.

It also reminded Filipinos to carry identification and essential contact information, as well as to inform family members and authorities of their whereabouts while traveling.

“In an emergency, contact the appropriate French emergency services,” the embassy reminded.

The French Ministry of Interior said more than 500 police officers and firefighters were injured during the unrest that involved what it said “targeted acts of violence” from “hooded individuals”.

A business federation quoted by the BBC estimated 1,500 shops and establishments were damaged, many of which were daubed with graffiti such as “tax the rich” and “eat the rich”.

At 8 p.m. France time (2 a.m. on October 19 in Manila), French President Emmanuel Macron is set to address the nation.

The demonstrations in France occurred alongside violent disturbances in other cities in Italy and Spain, where young protesters also called for labor and social reforms.

The Philippine Consulate in Milan is urging Filipino nationals in Northern Italy to take extreme caution following similar riots near the city center. — BAP, GMA News