MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / July 18, 2014) – The Philippines said it is coordinating with Malaysian and Ukrainian authorities to identify the three Filipinos who were among 298 people who perished in the downing of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over Ukraine.
Manila has expressed sympathies to the families of the victims. “The Philippines joins the entire global community in expressing its deepest sympathies” to the families of the 298 people on board,” a government spokesman Herminio Coloma said.
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was flying in eastern Ukraine on a flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was hit by a missile fired by pro-Russian rebels, according to reports.
Coloma said the Department of Foreign Affairs would coordinate with the Ukrainian and Malaysian authorities in verifying the identities of the Filipinos aboard the flight.
“The Government is one with the international community in calling for a thorough and swift inquiry on this incident,” he said.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Filipino embassies in Malaysia and the Netherlands are coordinating with Malaysia Airlines and other authorities in order to secure more information regarding the tragedy to assist the families of the three Filipinos.
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