By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA
MANILA — The Philippine government continues to monitor the situation in New Zealand as it checks on the Filipino community in Christchurch following a mass shooting incident that killed 27 persons on Friday.
“The Philippine embassy in Wellington is closely monitoring the situation. Ambassador Jesus Gary Domingo is in close coordination with the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Christchurch and leaders of the Filipino community,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a bulletin.
The embassy has also issued an advisory to the almost 5,000 Filipinos in Christchurch to remain indoors.
The DFA expressed solidarity to the New Zealand government and people following the tragic incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragedy,” it said.
According to reports, two gunmen opened fire in two mosques in Christchurch. One of the gunmen stormed inside the Masjid Al Noor, shooting the mosque goers during their afternoon praying time. The second incident happened in another mosque in a Christchurch suburb.
Speaking to the public, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described the shooting as “New Zealand’s darkest days.”
“It is an unprecedented violence in New Zealand. There is no place for such extreme violence in New Zealand,” she said.
