(File Photo By Patrick Roque, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)
MANILA — Two Filipino seafarers were killed in Mexico after the bar they were in was set on fire, reportedly by gang members, on August 27, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported on Friday.
Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Demetrio Tuazon reported that 26 others were killed during the incident in the Port of Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico.
State Governor of Veracruz Cuitlahuac Garcia released a statement on social media, saying the arson was the result of a dispute between rival gangs in the area.
The DFA said the embassy is now in touch with authorities and the Filipino seafarers’ manning agency for the repatriation of their remains.
“The DFA extends its condolences to the families of the Filipino seafarers, and the embassy stands ready to provide further assistance if needed,” it said in a bulletin sent through Assistant Secretary Emmanuel Fernandez.
According to reports, the fire was started with gasoline bombs.
The incident happened almost eight years since the Casino Royale in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico was also set ablaze, during which, 52 persons were killed.