The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday said there is no Filipino included in the casualties of the terror attack that happened in New Zealand, Friday.
“According to the Philippine Embassy in Wellington, it has not received any information so far that would indicate that there were Filipinos among the victims in the Christchurch shootings,” the DFA said in a statement.
Following the attack, the foreign affairs depart advised 5,000 Filipinos in Christchurch to remain indoors as the department continues to monitor the situation.
The DFA said in a statement that the Philippine Embassy in Wellington said that they are closely monitoring the situation in Churchchrist.
“Ambassador Jesus Gary Domingo is in close coordination with the Philippine Honorary Consulate In Christchurch and leaders of the Filipino community,” DFA said.
The foreign affairs department also offered its condolences and prayers to those families who were affected by the incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragedy,” it added.
Local reports said that the gunman who was dressed in a military-style, camouflage outfit started randomly shooting people with an automatic rifle in the Al Noor mosque.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that New Zealand is experiencing one of its “darkest days” due to the “extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence”.
At least 49 people died and several others sustained injuries due to the shooting.
Photo credit: AP
