Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople said that initial reports from the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago indicate that no Filipinos were involved in the shooting last night (Manila time) in Chicago that resulted in the death of seven persons.  The Secretary said, however, that he has ordered the Consulate in Chicago to verify and ensure that no Filipinos were harmed.

“This is a shocking crime and we sympathize with the families of the victims.  We have a large Filipino community in Chicago and initial reports indicate that no Filipino was involved or hurt in this incident,” the Secretary said.  “But I have asked our Consulate General in Chicago to coordinate with local authorities and with the Filipino community to verify this,” the Secretary added.

According to Chicago police, a lone gunman identified as Salvador Tapia, 36, shot and killed six people in an auto parts warehouse Wednesday morning (Chicago time) before being fatally shot by police.

According to reports, three of the victims were Alan Weiner, 50, and his brother Howard, 59, the company’s co-owners, and Howard Weiner’s son, Daniel.  Also killed were Calvin Ramsey, 44, and Robert Taylor, 53. The name of the sixth victim was being withheld until Chicago authorities could notify relatives.

“We are hoping that no Filipinos were harmed in this sad and tragic incident,” the Secretary said. END.