OFW deaths in Beirut rise to 4; one missing

MANILA, Philippines — The number of Filipinos killed in the powerful explosions in Beirut, Lebanon early this week has risen to four, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported yesterday.

Citing reports from the Philippine embassy in Beirut, DFA Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola said the number of injured Filipinos also rose to 31, while a Filipino household service worker remains missing.

Embassy charge d’affaires Ajeet Panemanglor said two Filipinos remain in critical condition and are confined at Rizk Hospital.

“We are saddened by the latest turn of developments. The higher figure comes as our embassy personnel work to ascertain the condition of the Filipinos in its jurisdiction,” Arriola said in a statement.

“Our embassy officials shall continue to ascertain the condition of our community in Beirut. The DFA reaffirms its commitment to bring the much needed support and assistance to our kababayans specially at this hour of need,” she said.

There are around 33,000 Filipinos in Lebanon, 75 percent of them n the greater Beirut area.

Lebanese authorities said the massive explosion on Tuesday was triggered by a fire igniting 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse at the port.

The blast destroyed the Port of Beirut and damaged nearby buildings, killing more than 130 people and injuring 5,000 others.