Palace condemns deadly Las Vegas shooting incident

Facade of the Malacañang Palace as seen from Pasig River. (Photo By Official Gazette of the Philippines, Public Domain)

MANILA— Malacañang on Tuesday denounced the deadly mass shooting incident in Las Vegas, Nevada and extended condolences and prayers to the victims of the latest case of violence in the United States.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the more than 50 victims who died because of the mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. We likewise pray for the speedy recovery of the more than 500 people who were reported injured,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said during a Palace briefing.

“We join the peace-loving people of the international community in denouncing this latest act of violence,” he added.

The deadly mass shooting happened during a music festival in Las Vegas.

The gunman, who was identified by US authorities as Stephen Paddock, 64, opened fire on concert-goers on Sunday night (Monday afternoon, Manila time), killing at least 59 people and injuring over 500.

Malacañang said no Filipino casualties have been reported by the Philippine consulate in Los Angeles.

“Nonetheless the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has instructed Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz to proceed to Las Vegas to look into the condition of our kababayans as well as Filipino tourists who happened to be in the area at the time of the shooting incident and who may need assistance,” Abella said.