France boosts police presence ahead of protests; Filipinos urged to prioritize safety

PRAGUE, Czech Republic – The Philippine Embassy in France urged Filipinos to remain calm and avoid areas where protests are planned for Saturday, as French authorities prepare to deploy around 70,000 police personnel.

In an advisory, the Philippine Embassy asked the Filipino community to prioritize their personal safety.

“Avoid protest sites, large gatherings, areas experiencing clashes, and locations where violence or property damage has been reported. Do not approach crowds out of curiosity, and leave the vicinity immediately if tensions escalate,” the advisory read.

The embassy also told Filipinos in France to remain calm and apolitical, as well as to exercise caution on social media.

“The Embassy does not take sides in France’s domestic political debates and encourages the Filipino community to remain focused on safety, mutual respect, and compliance with local laws.”

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said Friday that the government would deploy around 70,000 police officers for planned protests on Saturday.

“We will be uncompromising with rioters, looters and all those who commit acts of violence,” Nuñez told reporters after meetings with senior security officials, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, and President Emmanuel Macron.

Nuñez added that the tightened security operations would include water cannons, armored vehicles, mounted police, helicopters, and drones.

Not a 'nice, friendly demonstration'

Last weekend’s widespread unrest caught the French government by surprise, as rioters took advantage of what were largely peaceful protests against the high cost of living and fuel prices.

The situation spiraled into street violence and rampant looting in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and other cities. The city hall of Limoges was partly destroyed after being set ablaze during protests.

The Ministry of Justice said authorities have arrested 2,700 people since last weekend’s unrest.

In preparation for tomorrow’s protests, French authorities had identified numerous online calls from hard-left groups encouraging attacks and urging activists to target public buildings.

“We are not ​talking about a nice, friendly demonstration,” Nuñez said, adding: “We are ready for tomorrow. We will be extremely vigilant, extremely firm, and ⁠we will let absolutely nothing pass.”

Paris’ cultural institutions will shut on Saturday, including the Louvre and the Art Basel fair.

Other weekend protests

A new wave of demonstrations is also planned in Italy, where authorities are bracing for protesters aligned with an online organization named “Movimento 17 ottobre” (October 17 Movement in Italian).

Movimento 17 ottobre spread messages and social media posters calling for a “permanent mobilization against the government of bosses”.

The Philippine Embassy in Rome is urging Filipinos in Italy to “exercise heightened caution” as protests are expected in Rome, Milan, Florence, Turin, Bologna, Padua, Bari, and Genoa.

“Multiple demonstrations and marches are also expected in parts of Rome. While many demonstrations may remain peaceful, recent protests resulted in clashes with police, property damage, looting, and other disturbances.”

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac said Wednesday that the agency continues to monitor the situation and welfare of Filipinos amid mass protests in Italy and France.

“We are engaging with the Filipino community in discussions. We’ve opened the lines of communication and help lines kung sino man nangangailangan ng tulong,” Cacdac said.

(We’ve opened the lines of communication and help lines to whoever needs assistance.) — VBL, GMA News