Filipinas safe after gunshots heard in Auckland before FIFA WWC start

The Filipinas were safe and sound amid a shooting incident in Auckland. PFF (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—The Philippine women's football team found itself in some trouble just a day before the start of its FIFA Women's World Cup campaign after gunshots were fired along downtown Auckland.

Despite that, the Filipinas allayed fears of their fans who only woke up to the news after saying that they are safe and sound despite the incident.

"All members of the Philippine Women's National Team delegation at the FIFA Women's World Cup are safe," the Filipinas said in a short statement on Thursday.

The Filipinas are scheduled to fly to Dunedin later Thursday for their Friday showdown against Switzerland, the Philippines' first-ever FIFA World Cup match.

The New Zealand police reported via Twitter that three people including the gunslinger died after they responded to the shooting incident "that unfolded at a construction site in Auckland's CBD."

The said area is close to a designated FIFA Women's World Cup fan zone.

Auckland hosts the opening match of the FIFA Women's World Cup between co-host New Zealand and Norway later Thursday.

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