Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 19) — The Philippine Embassy in Ankara on Sunday confirmed the death of a Filipina and her three children in the aftermath of the Feb. 6 killer quake.
“It is with deepest regret that the Embassy must confirm the passing of a Filipina housewife and her three children, previously reported to be missing under the rubble in Antakya,” the embassy said in a statement.
They had previously been listed as missing amid the ruins left by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that caused severe destruction in southern Turkiye and northern Syria.
The embassy said the Filipina and her children were laid to rest by her Turkish husband in accordance with Turkish tradition.
The devastating earthquake has left over 45,000 people dead, according to authorities.
Officials say more than 20 families, including overseas Filipinos and their children, Turkish spouses, and senior citizens, are staying in the embassy shelter.
It added that it is ramping up repatriation efforts for all qualified Filipino citizens who want to return to the country.
CNN Philippines’ Tristan Nodalo contributed to this story.
