PH readies repatriation of bodies of 2 Filipinos killed in Abu Dhabi gas blast

MANILA, Philippines — The remains of two Filipinos killed in a gas leak explosion in a restaurant in Abu Dhabi are now being readied for repatriation, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday.

DFA said local authorities have already cleared the release of the remains of the two Filipinos.

Earlier, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Hjayceelyn Quintana said the cadavers of the deceased Filipinos could not be released yet pending the completion of the investigation into the blast.

“Embassy officials and regional representatives from DFA and DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) are working closely with the families for the acceptance of the remains,” the DFA said in a statement.

According to the agency, a composite team of DFA and DOLE officers visited one of the families of the Filipino fatalities in their hometown.

Meanwhile, Quintana met with the widow and brother of the other deceased Filipino in Abu Dhabi.

The embassy has arranged the viewing of the remains by family members, and is currently monitoring discussions between the families of the deceased and their employers, the DFA said.

Assistance to the concerned families is also being extended in the processing of the death benefits they will be receiving from the Philippine government, it added.

The embassy, the DFA noted, expressed gratitude to the UAE Government “for ensuring that the affected Filipinos are cared for.”

“The Embassy also thanks the members of the Filipino community whose prayers and expressions of support lent healing and comfort to the families of the victims,” it added.