Missing Pinay in London fire presumed dead

MANILA, Philippines - The Filipina reported missing in a fire in London is presumed dead, the Philippine embassy in the United Kingdom said yesterday.

This as the presumed death toll in the Grenfell Tower blaze rose to 79 yesterday.

London Police Commander Stuart Cundy said the death toll could still change but probably not as much as it had in recent days.

He also said that five people who were reported missing had now been found safe and well.

The embassy said search efforts conducted by the Metropolitan Police and the Filipino community in London failed to locate Ligaya Moore. 

“She is now included by the Met police as among those presumed to have perished in the Grenfell Tower tragedy,” the embassy said in a Facebook post.

Officials have informed Moore’s relatives.

“Our thoughts go out to her family and loved ones as we hope for the recovery of her mortal remains,” the embassy said.

The embassy has urged survivors to identify themselves as it coordinates assistance for them from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Foreign Affairs and the Filipino community.

The DFA said several Filipinos were injured during the blaze.