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MANILA, Philippines? (UPDATE 2) The Filipino who was among the 228 passengers of Air France Flight 447 which crashed into the Atlantic Ocean has been identified, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday afternoon.
Quoting the Philippine embassy in Paris, which was notified by the French foreign ministry, the DFA identified the Filipino fatality as Arden Jugueta, a seafarer whose vessel docked in Rio de Janeiro and who was to take a connecting flight from Paris to Manila.
In a statement, the DFA said the fatality?s ship manning company also confirmed that Jugueta was on board Air France Flight 447.
The Paris main offices of Air France and the local shipping agency have also communicated with the Filipino seafarer?s family.
DFA Secretary Alberto Romulo has extended the department?s deepest condolences to Miguela Jugueta, the wife of Mr. Jugueta, and his family.
The DFA said it will continue to monitor the latest developments in the ongoing search and rescue operations by military and aviation authorities of Brazil, France and Spain near the island of Fernando de Noronha, about 1,500 miles east of Rio de Janeiro.
The department said it will also extend assistance to Jugueta?s family.
Air France Flight 447 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean on the evening of May 31 (Brasilia time) en route to Paris, France from the Galeao International Airport in Brazil.
Earlier, in his report to the DFA, ad interim Charge d?Affaires Christopher Montero said Brazil?s military and aviation authorities have sent search and rescue teams near the island of Fernando de Noronha, about 1,500 miles east of Rio de Janeiro, but have yet to find the plane and its passengers.
