THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed the death of one Filipino in Myanmar following the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on March 28.
DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said the remains of one of the four missing Filipinos were positively identified in Mandalay.
The family has been informed, and the DFA is withholding further details to respect their privacy during this time of mourning.
“We continue to hope for the best and are working closely with authorities in Myanmar regarding the three other missing Filipinos,” De Vega added.
Alvin Aragon initially confirmed on Wednesday morning that the body of his brother Francis, one of the four missing Filipinos, had been found.
“Ipinapaalam po [naming] na nakita na po [‘yong] kapatid namin at masakit man sa amin tangapin [kasama na siya] ni Lord ngayon” he wrote on a Facebook post.
A team from the National Bureau of Investigation has been assisting in the identification process through DNA matching.
The earthquake devastated central Myanmar, particularly Sagaing, and also affected neighboring Thailand. According to a UN situational report, the death toll has climbed to over 3,500, with more than 200 individuals still reported missing across the country. (PNA)
