PHL officials in Australia checking if Pinoys among hostages

Philippine officials in Australia are checking if Filipinos are among the hostages being held in a cafe in the central business district in Sydney. 
 
In a radio interview Monday, Philippine consul general to Australia Anne Jalando-on said they are "hoping and praying" no Filipino was among the hostage.
 
"We are closely monitoring lahat na balita. We are in touch with the police, we are awaiting news and any information sa identity ng mga hostages," she said in an interview on dzBB radio.
 
She said the situation is still live and unfolding, and they are awaiting further developments.
 
"Ang masasabi ko lang sa Filipino community sa Australia, all of us are awaiting devleopments and hoping and praying fervently walang kababayan sa loob," she said.
 
Citing information reaching her so far, Jalando-on said customers and staff of the cafe are among the hostages.
 
But there is no confirmation on the specific number of hostages, she said. —Joel Locsin/KG, GMA News

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