Just as a Filipino search and rescue contingent left from Manila, the Philippine Embassy in Turkiye confirmed the deaths of two Filipinos due to the devastating earthquake that left thousands dead in Turkiye and Syria.
“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,” the foreign post in Ankara said.
“The Embassy and Consulate General express their deepest condolences and are in coordination with the victims’ families in both the Philippines and in Turkiye,” it added.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in a tweet said that he’s in deep regret about the death of the two Filipinos.
“It is with deep regret that we learn of the passing of two Filipinos in the recent 7.8-magnitude earthquake that devastated Türkiye,” Marcos said.
The death toll across both countries has now surpassed 21,000 and hope has started to fade now that the 72-hour mark that experts consider the most likely period to save lives has passed.
Experts fear the number will continue to rise sharply.
Countries around the world are sending search crews and aid to the region including Manila which sent an 85-member search and rescue team.
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