The Philippine government is closely monitoring the “evolving situation” in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia following an explosion at a cemetery where foreign diplomats were gathered on Wednesday to commemorate the end of World War I.
Initial reports said at least two people were injured when the device exploded at Khawajat cemetery in the Al-Balad area of Jeddah. The incident occurred while the French consul was delivering a speech at the event commemorating the annual Armistice Day.
“The DFA, through the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, is in touch with Filipino community members who have been advised to stay alert and follow the advice of local authorities,” the foreign affairs office said in a statement Thursday.
There are no reports of any Filipino national sustaining injuries because of the attack, according to the Philippine Consulate.
In an advisory, the Consulate urged Filipinos to avoid the area where the incident occurred, exercise extra vigilance, and follow instructions of the Saudi authorities as the local police continue to investigate the incident.
Saudi authorities have immediately launched a manhunt against those behind the blast that apparently targeted foreign diplomats attending the memorial rites.