TWO Filipinos were killed following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey, the Philippine Embassy there announced on Friday, February 10, 2023.
“It is with deepest regret that the Embassy must inform the public of the passing of two Filipinos, both earlier reported to be missing in Antakya,” it said in a statement.
“The Embassy and Consulate General express their deepest condolences and are in coordination with the victims' families in both the Philippines and in Türkiye,” the Embassy added.
It said another Filipino who was earlier reported to be missing in Antakya was discovered to be alive.
More than 10 Filipino families were also evacuated from the city of Antakya to Ankara, the country’s capital for safety.
The Embassy said it continues to reach out to Filipinos affected by the disaster to provide them with assistance.
“We continue to tirelessly reach out to as many Filipinos as possible and acknowledge the support of the local Filipino community leaders and their network,” it said.
“The team will continue to exhaust all efforts to account for Filipinos in affected regions,” it added.
Eighty-two members of the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent arrived in Turkey on Thursday, February 9, 2023, to support the country in its efforts to provide disaster relief.
The team, made up of officers from the Office of Civil Defense, Philippine Emergency Medical Team, 525th Engineer Combat Battalion of the Philippine Army, 505th Search and Rescue Group of the Philippine Air Force, Metro Manila Development Authority, and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, was sent in response to Turkey's call for international assistance. (SunStar Philippines)