The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said no Filipino was reported as casualty as of Sunday in a terrorist attack that killed over a dozen in Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.
According to DFA, the Philippine Consulate in Sydney was coordinating with Australian authorities to verify whether any Filipino nationals were affected.
“As of this time, there are no confirmed Filipino casualties,” DFA said in a statement on Sunday NIGHT, Dec. 14.
At least 15 were killed while 40 were wounded when two gunmen, a father and a son, opened fire and targeted a Jewish community celebrating Hannukah in Bondi, Australian police said.
One of the shooters, the father, was killed when police responded; while his son remains in critical condition, police added.
“The Department extends its sympathies to the victims and their families and urges Filipinos in Sydney to remain vigilant, avoid affected areas, and follow the advisories of local authorities,” DFA said.
The Philippine consulate also advised Filipinos to stay indoors and avoid the Bondi area until the situation is fully declared safe.