DFA checks on Filipinos in Ethiopia following deadly explosion

Ethiopia Flag (Photo By SKopp, Public Domain)

MANILA— The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday said it is checking on Filipinos in Ethiopia, following an explosion at a political rally in Addis Ababa on the same day that killed one and injured dozens.

In a tweet, Ethiopia Health Minister Amir Aman Hagos said one person was killed and 154 injuries were reported in the incident, 10 of which are critical cases.

As of posting, there are no reports of whether a Filipino is among the number, but the agency said the Philippine Embassy in Cairo is reaching out with the 800 members of the Filipino community in the country.

Ambassador to Cairo Leslie Baja, who has jurisdiction over Ethiopia, said the explosion was caused by a grenade that was hurled at supporters of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who were gathered for a rally at Meskel Square.

Baja said the Embassy already advised Filipinos in Addis Ababa to stay away from any public gathering and to report any Filipino, who may have been among those injured in the explosion.