MANILA, Philippines — In an advisory, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)  on Wednesday (August 5) said 10 of the 11 initially reported missing seafarers have been found safe and accounted for, as reported by the Philippine Embassy in Beirut. 

This recent development leaves one seafarer still missing, the DFA said. 

The 10 seafarers suffered minor injuries and are now with the management of the shipping company Abu Merhi Cruises at Ain el Mraiseh, Beirut.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Dodo Dulay confirmed the latest tally of injured Filipinos in the massive explosion is at 24.

He said most of the injured are household service workers. 

Except for one critical, all injured are in stable condition or with minor wounds, the official said.

Filipino fatalities remain at two and the search for the missing Filipino is ongoing.

The DFA assured that through the Philippine Embassy in Beirut, it will continue to ascertain the conditions of the seafarers and the other Filipinos who were reported hospitalized due to the incident..

The DFA also informs the public that all its Embassy personnel are safe, with no reported physical damage in its premises.

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through the Philippine Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon has confirmed that no Filipinos have been reported injured or killed so far in the massive explosion that happened on August 4.

The powerful explosion which occurred at the Port of Beirut resulted in several fatalities and dozens of injuries as well as widespread damage to properties throughout the city.

Lebanon’s health ministry said the death toll has risen to at least 50 while authorities are still investigating the cause of the blast. 

The Philippine Embassy calls on Filipinos in Beirut to reach out for assistance following the explosion. 

MANILA, Philippines — The Duterte administration will pursue the country’s friendly bilateral relations with Malaysia.

This was the response of Malacañang after Malaysia announced its intention to summon the Philippine’s ambassador in Malaysia over the controversial remarks of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Locsin.

On July 27, Locsin posted in his tweet that “Sabah is not in Malaysia” in reaction to a post by the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hisshammudin Hussein countered Locsin saying his comment was ‘irresponsible’, whereafter he summoned the Philippine ambassador.

Locsin stressed that he is asserting the Philippines’ rights over Sabah just as the country is defending and asserting the rights of the Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea.

Locsin replied that he will also summon the Malaysian ambassador in Manila on the matter.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque meanwhile said that despite the unresolved territorial dispute on Sabah, the country will maintain friendly bilateral relations with its Southeast Asian neighbor.

READ: DFA denies giving up claim on Sabah

“This unresolved territorial dispute, as you correctly said has been dormant […] It has not affected our friendly bilateral relations and we will definitely maintain this friendly bilateral relations despite and in spite of this unresolved dispute,” he said. MNP (with reports from Rosalie Coz)