THE Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles confirmed on Tuesday that a Filipino was among the victims of the mass shooting in Monterey Park, California on January 21.

According to the Consulate General, 68-year-old Valentino Alvero, a United States citizen with Filipino descent, was reported to have been one of the casualties during the tragic incident that transpired during the city’s Chinese Lunar Year celebration.

While the Consulate General understands the family’s desire for privacy, it also mentioned that it is ready to extend assistance to the victim’s family during this time of unimaginable difficulty.

Meanwhile, Deputy Consul General Ambrosio Enciso III said in a radio interview that they are yet to determine if there is also a Filipino among those who were injured.

Alvero was among the 10 who were killed during an open fire in Star Ballroom Dance Studio where another 10 were wounded.

The suspect, 72-year-old Asian immigrant Huu Can Tran sprayed bullets around the dance hall whose main patrons were middle-aged to senior citizens of the city.

According to authorities, the gunman used a  9mm semi automatic Mac 10 “assault weapon” during the lunar year attack. They also found a 7.26-by-.25-caliber Norinco brand handgun in Tran’s van.

Hours after the attack, the suspect shot himself dead upon encounter with the police.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said that the gunman’s motives were still unknown but they are currently investigating Tran’s mental health and criminal records.

Banner courtesy: Philip Cheung | The Washington Post