The Philippine government has condemned the mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada City while it expressed its sympathies to the families of at least 50 victims of the tragedy.
Malacañang issued this statement on Tuesday even as it reported that there was no Filipino casualty in the incident – now dubbed as the worst mass shooting in the history of the United States.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the more than 50 victims who died because of the mass shooting in Las Vegas Nevada,” said Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella during a Palace briefing.
“We likewise pray for the speedy recovery of the more than 500 people who were reported injured,” he added.
A gunman on the 32nd floor of a Las Vegas hotel-casino opened fire at an outdoor country music festival below, killing at least 58 people and injuring hundreds. Authorities said the gunman killed himself even before police were able to enter his hotel room.
“No Filipino casualty has been reported according to the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles,” Abella also said.
According to Abella, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has ordered Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz “to immediately proceed to Las Vegas to look into the condition of our kababayans as well as Filipino tourists who happen to be in the area during another time of the shooting incident and who may need assistance.”
“We join the peace-loving people of the international community in denouncing this latest act of violence,” Abella noted. /kga