DFA extends help to kin of 6 OFWs who died in Saudi fire

Department of Foreign Affairs (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed the deaths of six overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who perished in an apartment fire in Saudi Arabia.

DFA spokesman Charles Jose said the six Filipino workers were living in the same apartment in Riyadh that was destroyed by fire.

“First of all, the DFA through the Philippine embassy in Riyadh confirmed that there are six Filipinos who died in a fire that destroyed a residential apartment in Riyadh,” said Jose in an interview on Monday.

He said the Riyadh police have been investigating the cause of the fire.

Jose said the Philippine embassy in Riyadh has been providing assistance to families in handling the bodies.

Under Islamic practices, bodies are immediately buried on the day of death or the next day.

But the DFA official said the next of kin of the Filipinos would be given a choice to have their bodies repatriated or burned in Saudi Arabia.

“It’s up to the families, the Philippine embassy in Riyadh is coordinating with them,” said Jose.  SFM