DFA helps families submit DNA for missing quake victims in Myanmar

Relatives of two missing Filipinos from the March 28 magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar submitted their DNA samples to authorities last week.

The DFA spokesperson and Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega confirmed that two out of four missing Filipinos have been identified, while a married couple remains unidentified.

Families from Negros Oriental were flown to Manila by the DFA and assisted with submitting DNA samples to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Before cremation, Philippine Embassy in Myanmar secured hair or teeth from recovered bodies believed to be those of the missing couple for cross-checking with DNA samples provided by relatives.

The NBI is expected to confirm identities in two weeks, while government efforts continue to assist distressed overseas Filipinos and survivors of the Sky Villa collapse.

Over 3,700 people have died as a result of the earthquake according to Reuters reports.