4 Filipinos killed in Beirut blast, 100 other OFWs eyed to be repatriated Aug. 20 -Bello

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Friday said the Philippine government is planning to repatriate on August 20 the remains of the four Filipinos who died in a massive explosion in Beirut, Lebanon on Tuesday. Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Bello said they already identified the four Filipino victims and are already preparing their repatriation. “Mayron na kaming china-charter na flight kaya lang hindi makaalis dahil ‘yong airport ng Beirut medyo apektado rin sa pagsabog,” Bello said. “As soon as maayos ‘yong airport nila ay magkakaroon na kami ng repatriation,” he added. Apart from the four, around 100 other overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Lebanon who have signified their intention to leave will also be joining the flight back home. “Puwede na sumabay ‘yong mga buhay. Marami tayo matutulungan. Sa ngayon, mayroon na kaming naipon na 100 na kababayan na puwede naming isabay doon sa chartered flight,” he said. Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the number of Filipinos killed in the explosion in Beirut has increased to four, while 31 have been reported injured. Philippine Embassy Charge d'Affaires Ajeet Panemanglor said two other Filipinos remain in critical condition. The massive explosion in Beirut said to be have been triggered by ammonium nitrate stored at a warehouse for years, killed at least 135 people and injured 5,000 others. Embassy officials said they are coordinating with members of the Filipino community in Beirut and assured them of assistance. Lebanon is home to around 33,000 Filipinos, 75% of whom are in the greater Beirut area. -Ma. Angelica Garcia/MDM, GMA News

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