UAE releases remains of 2 Filipinos killed in Abu Dhabi blast

The Philippine Embassy in the UAE announced that authorities in the United Arab Emirates have released the remains of two Filipino nationals killed in an Abu Dhabi gas explosion after their investigation concluded.

Ambassador Hjayceelyn Quintana stated that the embassy has informed the victims' families, Clark Gasis and Merriner Bertoces, about the process and asked for their understanding.

She mentioned that UAE authorities assured the Philippine Embassy they would expedite their investigation into the incident.

The embassy is acting as a bridge between the UAE authorities and the families and helped them communicate with authorities and employers.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) stated that the families of Gasis and Bertoces will receive P120,000 bereavement assistance each from the government and insurance benefits if they are qualified members of the Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration.

Five of the eight injured Filipinos have been released from hospitals, while the remaining three are recovering from minor to moderate injuries.

The gas explosion happened at around 10:15 a.m. Monday inside a fast food restaurant, destroying a KFC store and other nearby shops.