(Courtesy of Anadolu)
SEOUL – No Filipinos have so far been reported among the casualties of a horrific stampede in Itaewon that killed over 100 and injured scores others on Saturday night, the Philippine Embassy in South Korea said Sunday.
At least 150 were killed from the crush during Halloween revelries in the popular nightlife district in Seoul.
About 76 were also injured from the incident, 15 of whom are foreigners, the Embassy said, citing Korea's National Fire Agency.
"The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and is in coordination with local authorities in case any Filipino national has been affected. To date, the Embassy has yet to receive reports of any Filipino victim in the stampede," the Embassy said in a statement.
The Embassy advised Filipinos in Korea to observe precautions during large events.
In Manila, the Department of Migrant Workers said it is closely monitoring the situation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
A report from Labor Attaché Maria Celeste Valderrama in Seoul confirmed no OFWs were injured in the stampede.
“The Secretary (Susan Ople) has ordered the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Seoul to monitor the situation and provide regular updates to the DMW,” read a statement by DMW on Sunday.
There are over 50,000 Filipinos living and working in South Korea, but as the country reopened its borders and eased restrictions, more Filipino tourists have also started coming in.
The stampede, described as the deadliest in South Korea's history, took place in a narrow downhill alley in the popular entertainment district, with the victims mostly in their 20s.
Latest reports citing authorities said the foreigners killed include those from Iran, Uzbekistan, China, and Norway.
Halloween celebrations in the capital city, especially in Itaewon and Hongdae, have been attracting locals and foreigners alike as early as October 28, with huge crowds filling pubs along its narrow streets.
It was the first series of Halloween events in Seoul since the pandemic broke out in 2020.
Videos of the disaster circulating online showed paramedics administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation on dozens of victims while some struggled to pull the victims out of the cramped alley.
There was no information yet as to what caused the stampede but investigations are underway. (With a report from Marita Moaje/PNA)
