President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has conveyed his sympathy over the death of two Filipinos in the devastating earthquake in Turkey.
"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 on Twitter on Friday, Feb. 10.
The President assured Filipinos that the Philippine Embassy in Turkey "continues to work tirelessly" to conduct relief, rescue, and evacuation operations in the heavily affected areas in Turkey.
It is with deep regret that we learn of the passing of two Filipinos in the recent 7.8-magnitude earthquake that devastated Türkiye.
The Philippine Embassy continues to work tirelessly to verify any and all information on Filipinos affected by the quake.
— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) February 10, 2023
Two Filipinos, who were earlier reported to be missing following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Feb. 6, were found dead, the Philippines Embassy in Turkey confirmed Friday.
According to the Embassy, evacuation operations are being conducted in Antakya in Hatay province, one of the hardest-hit cities. Families are currently shuttled back to Ankara, Türkiye's capital.
The Philippines has sent an 85-man team to Turkey following the strong earthquake to help in the rescue and evacuation operations.
They will be deployed to Gaziantep for an additional relief, rescue, and evacuation operation, the embassy said.