MANILA: No Filipinos are among the casualties in the weekend explosion that injured 29 people, one seriously, in New York’s Chelsea area, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has said.
“So far, wala naman but we are still coordinating wth authorities and our embassy officials for development.” Manila Bulletin quoted DFA spokesman and Assistant Secretary Charles Jose as saying.
He reportedly said after the news about the explosion in Chelsea, New York brokeout, the embassy immediately contacted the Filipino community in Manhattan to inquire if their relatives or friends had been reported hurt in the blast and the initial findings is negative.
He was quoted as saying that there are more than 80,000 Filipinos living and working in New York City.
Jose reportedly said the New York City Police Department has yet to determine what type of explosive caused the blast.
Five suspects were reportedly collared by police who are now undergoing interrogation. Police did not mention the nationalities of the arrested suspects.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio was quoted as saying by Manila Bulletin that there were indications that the blast was “an intentional act,” but authorities have yet to find evidence that it was a terrorist attack.
