13 missing Pinoys found safe

All injured individuals are currently in stable conditions after sustaining minor wounds, except for one who is still in critical condition

All 13 missing Filipino seafarers from the massive port explosion in Beirut have been accounted for and are now safe, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Thursday.

DFA Undersecretary Sarah Arriola confirmed the reports from the Philippine Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon.

In a statement, the DFA said that eight of them who were recently visited by Charge D’ Affaires Ajeet Panemanglor have availed of the accommodations provided by their shipping company.

At present, two deaths have been recorded among the Filipinos working in the area.

Five others are still at the hospital for medical checkup. The Embassy was scheduled to pay them a visit.

Arriola said the seafarers were aboard their ship docked 400 meters from the port when the blast happened.

Meanwhile, this morning, the envoy also said that the other 24 injured overseas Filipino workers have likewise been identified.

In a tweet, DFA Undersecretary Brigido Dulay said that all injured individuals are currently in stable conditions after sustaining minor wounds, except for one who is still in critical condition.

At present, two deaths have been recorded among the Filipinos working in the area.

Panemanglor said the government will shoulder the repatriation of the remains of the deceased

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello assured the victims of assistance through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

“We shall expedite the release of the appropriate insurance and OWWA benefits for all victims of the tragedy,” Bello said.

PHOTOGRAPH BY BOB DUNGO JR. FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE @tribunephl_bob PERSONNEL from the Las Piñas City Hall conduct misting along Aguilar Avenue in Pamplona as Metro Manila reverted to MECQ status this week.