Another weekend of protests expected in Italy, France, Spain; Filipinos warned

PRAGUE, Czech Republic – Philippine diplomatic missions in Italy, France, and Spain have again urged Filipinos in the three countries to prioritize their safety and avoid areas where nationwide protests and All Saints’ Day events are scheduled this weekend.

In separate advisories, the Philippine Embassies in Rome and Paris, along with the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona, urged Filipino nationals to “continue exercising caution and remain alert” as the venues for public demonstrations are announced.

In particular, the Philippine Embassy in Rome advised the Filipino public to take caution during Halloween activities on Saturday.

According to the embassy, two major demonstrations are scheduled for Saturday in Rome:

• 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. local time (8:30 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday in Manila) at Piazza della Repubblica to Piazza del Popolo.
• 3:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. local time (10 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday in Manila) at Piazzale Ugo La Malfa/Circo Massimo to Piazzale Ostiense/Piramide.

In observance of All Saints’ Day in Italy on Sunday, the Corsa dei Santi (Feast of All Saints) will take place in the Vatican, central Rome, and Prati areas from 8:15 a.m. to 10 a.m. (3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Manila), followed by the Angelus at St. Peter’s Square at noon.

The Embassy also reminded Filipinos in Rome of Sunday’s major football match at Stadio Olimpico, as well as increased public movement around cemeteries on All Souls’ Day on Monday.

Meanwhile, in France, the Philippine Embassy in Paris urged Filipino nationals in the country to “stay calm, avoid protest areas and large gatherings, and follow authorities’ advisories” ahead of Saturday’s protests nationwide.

In Barcelona, the Philippine Consulate General asked Filipinos to “exercise heightened caution” due to “possible occurrence of violent protests” on Saturday.

The consulate flagged Plaça de Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia, and La Rambla, as areas where “traffic disruptions, public transportation delays, and possible disturbances may occur”.

Italy, France, and Spain brace for another weekend of protests and labor strikes, with demonstrators targeting the government for soaring costs of living and demanding more investment in education.

As a result, the authorities in these countries have tightened security across major cities.

Filipino nationals needing assistance from Philippine diplomatic missions in these countries may contact the following hotlines:

• Philippine Embassy in Rome: +39 334 658 2118 (Emergency hotline)
• Philippine Consulate General in Milan: +39 389 683 5076 (Hotline)
• Philippine Embassy in Paris: +33 6 80 11 52 71 (Assistance-to-Nationals hotline); +33 6 20 59 25 15 (Consular hotline); paris.pe@dfa.gov.ph
• Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona: +34 679 324 462 (Emergency WhatsApp hotline)

— VBL, GMA News