2 more Filipinos die in Beirut twin blasts


The number of Filipino fatalities from the Beirut twin explosions has increased to four, while the number of injured reached 31, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported Friday. 

A soldier stands at the devastated site of the explosion in the port of Beirut on August 6, 2020 two days after a massive explosion devastated the Lebanese capital in a disaster that has sparked grief and fury. (Photo by Thibault Camus / POOL / AFP / MANILA BULLETIN)

Initially, there were only two Filipinos that were reported dead in the explosions.

One household service worker remains missing. 

"We are saddened by the latest turn of developments. The higher figure comes as our Embassy personnel work to ascertain the condition of the Filipinos in its jurisdiction,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Sarah Lou Y. Arriola said. 

Philippine Embassy Beirut Charge d'affaires Ajeet Panemanglor also reported that two Filipinos confined at Rizk Hospital remain in critical condition. 

"Our Embassy officials shall continue to ascertain the condition of our community in Beirut,” the DFA said as it reaffirms its commitment to bring the much-needed support and assistance to the Filipino community in Lebanon, particularly in Beirut. 

The deadly twin blasts in the Beirut port in Lebanon left more than 130 people dead and at least 5,000 injured. 

As of Friday, 16 personnel from the Beirut port have been detained over the explosions.