PERISHED. A resident of the municipality of Buenavista in Guimaras was among those who perished in the explosion in Beirut Lebanon on Aug. 4, 2020. Both the municipal government of Buenavista and the provincial government of Guimaras have committed to aid the victim's family. (PNA photo by Buenavista LGU)
ILOILO CITY – A resident of the municipality of Buenavista, Guimaras who worked as household help of a United Nations (UN) diplomat in Lebanon was one of those who perished in the August 4 explosion in Beirut.
The victim was identified as Milagros Sumaculob, 67, a resident of New Poblacion, Buenavista.
She died while being treated at the American University Hospital, according to a press statement from the provincial government of Guimaras on Friday.
The family was informed of her death by the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon, said her daughter-in-law, Jenny Sumaculob.
The employer has also coordinated with the family of the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) and assured the prompt repatriation of her remains, which will be airlifted on August 9 at the earliest, the daughter-in-law said.
In a phone interview, Buenavista Mayor Eugene Reyes said the municipality will be extending assistance to the family of the victim.
“We will give financial assistance. Our municipal social welfare and development office will make the assessment to determine the amount of assistance,” he said.
Guimaras Governor Samuel Gumarin, in a statement, said the provincial government will also assist in the repatriation of Sumaculob.
“While we stand in solidarity with the world in this difficult time and grief, the provincial government will be right behind the bereaved family of Milagros Sumaculob from New Poblacion, Buenavista, all throughout the process up until her body will be transported back home. We will provide the family all the needed coordination and assistance in this heartbreaking situation," Gumarin said.
Sumaculob is supposed to come home this December for good. She started working in Lebanon in June 2018. (PNA)
