The Philippine Embassy in the UAE assured the families of the victims and the public that the remains of the two Filipino fatalities involved in the gas explosion at a restaurant in Abu Dhabi will be released after once authorities conclude their investigations.
The Philippine Embassy in the UAE seeks the patience and understanding of the families who have been affected by the accident, noting that all pending investigations should be finished before local authorities release the bodies.
Remains of Two Filipino Fatalities in Abu Dhabi Gas Explosion to be Released Soon – PH Embassy
Philippine Ambassador to the UAE H.E. Hjayceelyn Quintana said: “Dahil ito ay isang aksidente, kailangan muna na matapos ‘yong imbestigasyon at iyan ang aming nililinaw sa mga pamilya at humihingi po kami ng pang-unawa. (This, being an accident, we informed the families of the victims that the investigation needs to be completed first prior to the release of the remains of their loved ones. We are asking for your patience and understanding.“), PTV News reported.
Following the unfortunate incident, the embassy has already reached out to both families to explain the procedures regarding the release of the remains.
Meanwhile, authorities in the UAE personally spoke with families of the victims and assured the Philippine government that they will expedite their investigation on the case.
“Mismong sila ay nakikipagusap sa pamilya at kami ang nagiging tulay. Kapag natapos iyon ay saka naman natin uupuan kung ano ang next steps para sa mga pamilya na naiwan (Authorities here in the UAE have also contacted the families of the victims. Once they conclude their investigation, we will then take over the case and proceed with the next steps to assist the families of the victim),” added Ambassador Quintana.
The embassy also noted that ten Filipino nationals were injured in the August 31 explosion, with eight requiring medical attention in hospitals.
Quintana reported that five of them have already recuperated and were discharged from the hospital while the other three remain in two separate hospitals, recovering from their injuries.
With Filipino nationals making up the third biggest group of expatriates in the UAE, Quintana urged all OFWs to remain safe and be “mindful of the security and safety protocols” of the host country.
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