Philippine Consulate in Barcelona urges Filipinos to avoid four city-centre areas after riot

The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona advised Filipinos to exercise heightened caution and avoid four areas of the city, based on information from the Catalan Police, after a riot in the city centre on 24 October that ended with 128 arrests.

The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona has advised Filipinos to exercise heightened caution amid unrest and security disturbances in parts of Barcelona, The Manila Times reported on 25 October 2026. The consulate said the advisory was based on information it received from the Mossos d'Esquadra, the Catalan Police.

Areas to avoid

• Plaça de Catalunya
• Portal de l'Àngel
• The Gothic area
• Carrer de Pelai towards Plaça Universitat

"Everyone is encouraged to remain vigilant, avoid affected areas, and follow the instructions of local authorities."

The consulate posted the advisory on Facebook and said it "continues to monitor the situation and will issue further updates as necessary". Abante reported that the consulate also urged Filipinos to stay alert and put their safety first while disturbances continue in parts of the city, and said the safety and welfare of Filipinos in Barcelona remain its top priority. In an emergency, Filipinos can call 112, Spain's emergency hotline.

What happened on 24 October

Barcelona City Council said the City Police and the Mossos d'Esquadra arrested 128 people in connection with the riot in the city centre during the afternoon of 24 October. Over half of those arrested (56%) were minors, and only two had a previous record for public disorder. An investigation has been launched to establish who was behind the organised calls on social media.

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