More injured Filipinos reported

Injured Filipinos rise to 42, repatriation flight slated for August 16

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs said the Philippine Embassy staff in Beirut continues to search for nationals probably affected by the fatal explosions last Tuesday evening.

In a statement released before midday today, the DFA said with the clearing operations in wider areas of the beleaguered city, embassy personnel have received additional reports on the status of Filipino nationals.

“By day’s end yesterday, the number of injured overseas Filipinos rose to 42, an increase of eleven from the previous report. We were also alerted that another Filipino was reported missing, increasing the number to two. The number of Filipino fatalities meanwhile, remains at four,” said Undersecretary Sarah Lou Y. Arriola.

The Department earlier said they expect the number of affected Filipinos in Beirut to rise due to the magnitude of the destruction.

The DFA also confirmed reports about a chartered flight to repatriate Filipinos from Lebanon scheduled on Sunday, August 16 where 230 individuals are expected to return home. The same flight will also bring home the remains of the four fatalities. (Melo M. Acuña)

Undersecretary Sarah Lour Y. Arriola. (File Photo/Melo M. Acuna)