People stand at a makeshift memorial outside the scene of a deadly mass shooting at a ballroom dance studio on January 23, 2023 in Monterey Park, California. An eleventh person has died and ten more were injured at the studio near a Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday night. A candlelight vigil for the victims will be held in the predominantly Asian American community of Monterey Park tonight. Mario Tama/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino was among the fatalities of the mass shooting in Monterey Park, California, the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles said on Tuesday as it expressed “shock and great sadness.”
The victim was identified as Valentino Alvero, 68, an American citizen of Filipino descent.
“After closely monitoring the incident and sustained coordination with law enforcement, Filipino-American organizations and media, the Consulate General received tragic news that one kababayan (fellow Filipino) Mr. Valentino Alvero, 68 years of age, a United States citizen of Filipino descent, was among the casualties of the shooting,” the consulate said.
When asked if “casualty” refers to death or injury, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Teresita Daza confirmed to INQUIRER.net that Alvero has passed away.
“The Consulate General understands his family’s desire for privacy and space during this time of unimaginable difficulty,” it added.
The consulate said they are prepared to assist the bereaved family should they seek help.
The consulate then urged the public to exercise all caution, be vigilant, and monitor their loved ones and family’s whereabouts.
The consulate also advised the public to report any suspicious activities to local law enforcement.
The mass shooting incident happened in Monterey Park in California on the night of January 21.
According to media reports, seven people died and one was critically injured in two shootings in Northern California.
READ: Seven dead in two new shootings in Northern California–media reports