Pinay hurt in Tripoli hotel attack – DFA

MANILA, Philippines - A Filipina was injured when the extremist Islamic State attacked a hotel in the Libyan capital Tripoli last Jan. 27 that killed at least 10 people, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

The Philippine embassy in Tripoli is checking reports about two Filipino fatalities, but Foreign Affairs spokesman Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said “this report is unconfirmed and the embassy is still verifying.”

Citing a report of the embassy, Jose said the Filipina sustained gunshot wounds during the attack at Corinthia Hotel and was rushed to the Mitiga hospital where she immediately underwent surgery.

“She is now out of danger and in stable condition,” Jose said in a press briefing.

The Filipina, whose name is being withheld, works in an energy company.

Embassy officials met with the Filipina’s husband and brother, who informed officials that they intend to avail of the government’s mandatory repatriation program as soon as it is determined that she is fit to travel.

Jose said the embassy has contacted major hospitals throughout Tripoli and coordinated with authorities in Libya to check if there are other Filipino casualties from the hotel attack.

Gunmen stormed the luxury Corinthia Hotel on Tuesday in an attack claimed by the Tripoli branch of the Islamic State jihadist group, killing at least 10 people before blowing themselves up.

After setting off a car bomb outside the hotel, where visiting world leaders have met local dignitaries in the past, three militants rushed inside and opened fire.

They made it to the 24th floor before being surrounded by security forces and detonating explosive belts they were wearing.

The head of Libya’s self-declared government, Omar al-Hassi, was inside the hotel at the time but was evacuated safely. – With AP