By Gabriela Baron
One Filipino was confirmed among the casualties in the Lunar New Year massacre in Monterey Park, California in the United States.
This was confirmed Tuesday, Jan. 24, by the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles.
“After closely monitoring the incident and sustained coordination with law enforcement, Filipino-American organizations and media, the Consulate General received tragic news that one kababayan, Mr. Valentino Alvero, 68 years of age, a United States citizen of Filipino descent, was among the casualties of the shooting,” the Consulate said in a statement.
The Consulate assured that it is ready to provide assistance to the family of Alvero.
It also called on the Filipino community in California to “exercise all caution and continue being vigilant during these uncertain times.”
“Always monitor your loved ones’ and family members’ whereabouts. Immediately report any suspicious activities to local enforcements and watch out for each other,” the Consulate added.
‘Loving father, devout Catholic’
Alvero’s great niece, Karmel, released an official statement from their family on Twitter.
His family remembered him as a “loving father, a dedicated son and brother, a grandfather who loved his three granddaughters fiercely, an uncle who loved his nieces and nephews like his own.”
“He loved people and hearing about their lives and in return, he shared his own stories with so much gusto and enthusiasm that you couldn’t help but listen and laugh along with him. He loved ballroom dancing, he loved his community, and was the life of any party,” the statement read.
“He was a devout Catholic and our family would like to request all priests and Catholics to pray for him by name, Valentino Marcos Alvero. Please offer up any Masses or rosaries you can for the repose of his soul,” it further read.
His family also called for an end to mass shootings.
Eleven people were killed at a ballroom dance hall during a Lunar New Year celebration late Sunday, Jan. 22.
According to authorities, the suspect, Huu Can Tran, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound Sunday. -ag
