Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14) — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said it has not received any report that a Filipino has been killed in the explosion in Istanbul which is believed to be a terrorist attack.
At least six people died and 81 were wounded in the blast on Sunday in Beyoglu Square in Turkey’s largest city, Turkish authorities said.
“So far, the Embassy (in Ankara) and Consulate General have not received any report of Filipino casualties,” the DFA wrote in a statement, as it expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
“The DFA, through its Embassy and Consulate General in Turkey, will continue to monitor the situation and report to the Department of any development accordingly,” it added.
Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said their government considers the incident as a terrorist attack, adding that officials are investigating a woman suspected to be the one who detonated the bomb.
Citing Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag, CNN reported that CCTV footage showed a woman sitting on a bench for over 40 minutes before getting up one or two minutes ahead of the explosion, leaving a bag or plastic bag behind.
Among the six casualties were Yusuf Meydan, a member of Turkey’s Ministry of Family and Social Services, and his daughter Ecrin, according to the minister of the agency.
