Gov't assists families of Filipino casualties in Beirut blast
By Noreen Jazul
Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III on Wednesday condoled with the families of the two Filipino workers who died in the blast in Lebanon, August 4.

He also assured the families of the fatalities, those injured and those still missing that the government will extend all possible assistance through its embassy in Beirut and other Philippine government agencies.
"We condole with the families of the two Filipino workers who perished in the tragic accident in Beirut," he said in a statement.
Bello said the next of kin of those who died have been duly notified and necessary assistance is being extended to the family for the immediate repatriation of the dead overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to their families in the country.
Bello said they are also praying for the fast recovery of the 8 Filipinos who were injured due to the incident.
"Some of them seriously, and still under treatment at various hospitals in that part of Lebanon," Bello said.
"We shall expedite the release of appropriate insurance and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) benefits for all victims of the tragedy," he added.
Bello also revealed that there are 11 OFWs still unaccounted for.
"We also note with sadness that 11 others of our OFWs, all seabased workers docked at the port of Beirut, are still unaccounted for," he said.
Bello added:"Our office is coordinating closely with Beirut authorities to locate them and work for their safe return to the country should they decide so."
The strong explosion at the Port of Beirut, Lebanon caused the death of at least 70 people and nearly 4,000 injured.
Read more: OFW who survived Beirut blast: ‘I was shaking in fear’