THE Philippine Embassy in Wellington has advised the almost 5,000 members of the Filipino community in Christchurch to remain indoors following the mass shootings at two mosques that left 49 people dead and more than 40 injured.
In a statement Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through Ambassador Jesus Gary Domingo said the Philippine Embassy is “closely coordinating with the Honorary Consulate in Christchurch and leaders of the Filipino community.”
It has also extended condolences to the victims of the tragic incident, which New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden called “one of New Zealand’s darkest days.”
The DFA as of Friday night did not disclose if there were any Filipino casualties in the incident.
“The Philippines stands in solidarity with New Zealand following the tragic shootings in Christchurch this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragedy,” the statement read.
Authorities charged one person, detained three others and defused explosive devices in what appeared to be a carefully planned racist attack.
Arden said the events represented “an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence” and acknowledged many of those affected may be migrants and refugees.
“It is clear that this can now only be described as a terrorist attack,” Arden said.
Police took three men and a woman into custody after the shootings, which shocked people across the nation of five million people. One of the suspects was later charged with murder. (VLA, AP)