(Anadolu photo)
MANILA – A Filipino American was among the fatalities of a mass shooting during the Lunar New Year celebrations in Monterey Park, California last Jan. 21.
The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles on Tuesday identified the victim as Valentino Alvero, 68, a United States citizen of Filipino descent. The consulate stands ready to extend assistance to the family.
"Our prayers go out to the families of the victims and we mourn with them during this lunar new year festival, which is supposed to be a time of gathering and celebration," the consulate said in a statement.
"The Consulate understands his family's desire for privacy and space during this time of unimaginable difficulty. Nevertheless, we are ready to assist them in whatever possible way should they reach out for any help we could give," it added.
The shooter opened fired at Starball Dance Studio in Monterey Park killing 11 and wounding several others. On the same night, the gunman entered another dance hall in Alhambra where he was reportedly disarmed before he fled.
On Jan. 22, the suspect's van was located in Torrance and after a standoff with the local police he was later found dead inside with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. (PNA)
