In a social media message to Punto, Elmer Cato, charge d’affaires of the Philippine embassy, said, “Thank God no Filipino was hurt”, even as he issued a statement saying “the Philippine embassy joins the people of Baghdad in mourning the loss of many innocent lives in the deadliest bombing carries out by the Islamic State in the capital in recent memory.”
“In anticipation of more attacks before the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the embassy reiterates its call for our kababayans in Baghdad and other parts of Iraq to remain vigilant in the coming days and to restrict movement,” Cato said in his social media account last July 3.
Cato said “Filipinos are strongly urged to remain indoors as much as possible and to stay away from public places such as shopping malls, restaurants, and markets. Those who wish to be repatriated should contact the embassy so arrangements could be made for their return to the Philippines.”
The busy Karada district in Baghdad was rocked with powerful explosions near the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan when the streets were filled with people.
