Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Sunday it is closely monitoring a deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, adding that no Filipinos were reported among the casualties so far.
The DFA said the Dec. 14 attack occurred during a Jewish holiday event at the popular beachfront area. Australian authorities have confirmed multiple fatalities, with emergency operations continuing.
“As of this time, there are no confirmed Filipino casualties,” the DFA said in a statement, noting that authorities continue to identify victims.
Australian officials said at least 12 people were killed and nearly 30 others were wounded when gunmen opened fire on the gathering marking the first day of Hanukkah.
One suspected attacker was killed at the scene, while another was in critical condition, said New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon.
Police are investigating whether a third gunman was involved and are examining suspected improvised explosive devices found nearby.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened an emergency meeting of the national security council and condemned the attack as “beyond comprehension,” calling it a targeted assault on Jewish Australians during a religious celebration.
Witnesses said the shooting lasted about 10 minutes, sending hundreds of people running along the beach and into nearby streets and parks. Police said around 1,000 people had gathered in the area for the Hanukkah event.
The DFA extended its sympathies to the victims and their families and urged Filipinos in Sydney to remain vigilant, avoid affected areas, and follow advisories issued by Australian authorities. The department also advised Filipinos needing assistance to contact the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney.
Mass shootings are rare in Australia, which has some of the world’s strictest gun control laws. The attack was the country’s deadliest since 1996, when a gunman killed 35 people in Tasmania, prompting sweeping firearms reforms.
Australian police said investigations into the motive behind the attack and any possible accomplices remain ongoing amid heightened security concerns following a rise in antisemitic incidents since late 2023.
