DFA chief Manalo expresses ‘great shock, dismay’ over shooting of Japan’s Shinzo Abe

Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe lies on the ground after apparent shooting during an election campaign for the July 10, 2022 Upper House election, in Nara, western Japan July 8, 2022. in this photo taken by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo via REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo on Friday said he was taken aback and dismayed by the shooting of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Abe was shot Friday morning at a campaign event in Nara, Japan, according to the country’s chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno.

The suspected gunman was later arrested by police authorities.

READ: Japan ex-PM Abe feared dead; man nabbed for attempted murder

“It is with great shock and dismay that I learned of the shooting of former Prime Minister ABE Shinzo on 08 July 2022 in Nara,” Manalo shared on Twitter. “I extend my deep sympathy and pray for his early recovery.”

It is with great shock and dismay that I learned of the shooting of former Prime Minister ABE Shinzo on 08 July 2022 in Nara. I extend my deep sympathy and pray for his early recovery.

— Enrique A. Manalo 🇵🇭 (@SecManalo) July 8, 2022

In a separate tweet, the DFA similarly extended its prayers for Abe’s “early recovery.”

The Department has learned of the 08 July 2022 incident involving the reported shooting of former PM ABE Shinzo in Nara. The DFA prays for the early recovery of PM Abe.

— DFA Philippines 🇵🇭 (@DFAPHL) July 8, 2022

Abe, 67, is Japan’s longest-serving prime minister. He held office in 2006 for one year and again from 2012 to 2020 until he announced his resignation due to his declining health.

This handout picture provided to Jiji Press shows a general view of the scene after an attack on Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe at Kintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji station square in Nara on July 8, 2022. – Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe has been shot, a government spokesman says, with local media reporting he is showing no vital signs. (Photo by Handout / JIJI PRESS / AFP) / – Japan OUT / —–EDITORS NOTE — RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT “AFP PHOTO / JIJI PRESS ” – NO MARKETING – NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

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