Department of Foreign Affairs. (Photo from the DFA Facebook account)
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said it was still waiting for the Philippine Embassy in the Hague to report if Filipinos were affected by the shooting incident in Utrecht on Monday.
The DFA said three people were killed while nine were wounded after a gunman opened fire inside a tram in the central Dutch city. Authorities have reportedly arrested the suspect identified as 37-year-old Gokmen Tanis.
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“The Embassy is still trying to ascertain if there are Filipinos among the dead and injured,” it said in a statement.
The DFA said the Philippine Embassy was coordinating with the Dutch police and Dutch Foreign Ministry regarding developments about the shooting.
“Ambassador Jaime Victor Ledda said efforts are being undertaken to verify whether there are Filipinos among the injured,” the DFA said.
“The Embassy is also contacting Filipino community members in Utrecht and is advising them to take necessary precautions,” it added.
The DFA expressed sympathy with the Netherlands after the shooting.
“The Philippines is greatly saddened that such an incident has occurred in a peaceful country such as the Netherlands. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dutch people and government during this difficult time,” it said. /cbb