Bodies of Filipinos Killed in Iraq Fire Brought Home
ERBIL, Iraq – The bodies of the 13 overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who died in a hotel fire in Erbil, Iraq last week were repatriated Friday, according to Iraqi local media network Rudaw, citing local authorities.
The report said the victims died from suffocation, according to local medical authorities. The victims were trapped inside the building as fire engulfed portions of the hotel.
Erbil Governor Nawzad Hadi was present at the repatriation procession at Erbil international airport.
The governor said that they worked closely with the Philippine embassy in Baghdad for the repatriation of the bodies.
Meanwhile, the Philippine diplomatic post in Baghdad announced that a mass will be held at the Mar Elias Church in memory of the deceased OFWs.
“Let us be there as one family, one community, praying together for the eternal repose of the souls of our departed kababayans who will soon be on their way home to their loved ones in the Philippines,” the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad said in a statement.