All 6 Filipino students unharmed after in-campus shooting in Prague, embassy says

An ambulance parks near the area of the shooting at one of the buildings of Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, December 21, 2023. REUTERS/David W Cerny

MANILA, Philippines — All six Filipino students are unharmed after a shooting incident inside a university in Prague, Czech Republic, the Philippine embassy there said on Friday.

In a statement from the Philippine Embassy in Czech Republic, they have contacted a representative of the six Filipino students in Charles University who ascertained that they are safe.

Czech Republic was sent into shock after a lone gunman opened fire in Prague’s Charles University killing 14 and injuring more than 20 others, in what was described as the worst mass shooting in the said country.

“The Philippine Embassy in Czech Republic wishes to inform the Filipino community in the Czech Republic that it has contacted a representative of the six known Filipino Students at the Charles University, and ascertained that all of them are safe and everyone is monitoring the situation closely,” the embassy said.

“The Czech government authorities have declared that the shooter is dead and the situation is contained. The latest announcements have indicated fifteen (15) fatalities with several more seriously injured,” it added.

READ: Gunman opens fire in a Prague university, killing 14 and injuring 25 

The embassy however admitted that the victims’ nationalities have not been revealed yet, adding that authorities would contact them if any of the victims turn out to be Filipino nationals.

“The victims’ nationalities have not been publicly shared, and Prague police contacts have stated that they will inform the embassy should any relevant developments involving Filipinos occur,” the embassy said.

“In the meantime, the embassy advises all Filipinos to avoid the immediate area of the shooting incident, and to remain on alert. The embassy will issue further updates on this as necessary. The Philippine Embassy joins Czech and international expressions of grief and dismay at this shocking incident during the holiday season,” it added.

As of August 2023, the Department of Foreign Affairs states that there are around 6,200 Filipinos across the Czech Republic.