PH consulate checking if Filipinos affected in Bondi shooting

The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney is coordinating with Australian authorities to determine whether any Filipinos were affected by a mass shooting near a Jewish gathering at Bondi Beach, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday.

At least a dozen people were killed and several others injured in what is considered Australia’s worst attack in recent years.

"Australian authorities have confirmed multiple casualties, with emergency operations ongoing. The Consulate is coordinating with Australian authorities to verify whether any Filipino nationals were affected," Foreign Affairs spokesperson Angelica Escalona said.

As of Saturday, there are no confirmed Filipino casualties, she added.

More than 1,000 people had gathered at the beach to mark the start of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

Australian authorities said there is no longer an active threat but advised the public to avoid the area.

"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," Escalona said.—MCG, GMA Integrated News