DFA Confirms Second Filipino Fatality in Myanmar Quake: 5 Heartbreaking Updates

DFA confirms second Filipino fatality in Myanmar quake, a somber announcement made by the Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, April 10, 2025. The magnitude-7.7 earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28 left a trail of devastation, claiming thousands of lives and flattening buildings across the region. Among the victims were Filipino overseas workers, with two now confirmed dead and two still missing. This tragedy has shaken the Filipino community, sparking renewed calls for support and safety measures for those abroad. Let’s explore the details of this disaster and its impact on Filipinos in Myanmar.

Table of Contents

1. DFA Confirms Second Filipino Fatality in Myanmar Quake
2. The Myanmar Earthquake: A Devastating Blow
3. Who Were the Filipino Victims?
4. Ongoing Search for the Missing
5. How the Philippines Is Responding
6. Conclusion: Supporting Filipinos Abroad

1. DFA Confirms Second Filipino Fatality in Myanmar Quake

DFA confirms second Filipino fatality in Myanmar quake, a tragic update shared via a statement from the Philippine Embassy in Yangon. The earthquake, centered near Mandalay, struck with ferocious force, collapsing structures like the Sky Villa Condominium where four Filipino teachers were residing. The first fatality, identified as Francis Aragon, a 38-year-old physical education teacher, was confirmed on April 9. The second victim’s identity remains private at the family’s request, highlighting the deep grief they’re enduring. The DFA expressed hope for the two Filipinos still unaccounted for, underscoring the ongoing uncertainty.

This news has hit hard, especially for families with loved ones working overseas. The DFA’s confirmation serves as a grim reminder of the risks Filipinos face in disaster-prone regions.

2. The Myanmar Earthquake: A Devastating Blow

The magnitude-7.7 earthquake that rocked Myanmar’s Sagaing Region was one of the strongest in the country’s modern history. Striking at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, it unleashed extreme shaking, leveling homes, mosques, and schools. Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, bore the brunt, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. Over 3,600 people have been confirmed dead, with thousands injured and hundreds still missing.

The quake’s reach extended beyond Myanmar, damaging buildings in Thailand and shaking parts of China and Vietnam. In Mandalay’s Sky Villa Condominium, where the Filipino victims were, the collapse trapped dozens. Rescue efforts have been hampered by aftershocks and Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, making this a humanitarian crisis of staggering scale.

3. Who Were the Filipino Victims?

The Filipinos caught in this tragedy were overseas workers, specifically teachers based in Mandalay. Francis Aragon, the first confirmed fatality, was a dedicated educator whose brother, Alvin, shared the heartbreaking news of his passing. The second victim, also an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), has not been named publicly out of respect for the family’s wishes. These individuals were among 171 Filipinos living in Mandalay, many of whom contribute to Myanmar’s education sector.

The DFA confirms second Filipino fatality in Myanmar quake but notes that details remain scarce to protect the grieving family. For the Filipino diaspora, this loss feels personal—a stark reminder of the sacrifices OFWs make far from home.

4. Ongoing Search for the Missing

Despite the grim updates, hope persists for the two Filipinos still missing in Mandalay. The DFA confirms second Filipino fatality in Myanmar quake but emphasizes that search operations continue. The Philippine Embassy in Yangon is working tirelessly, coordinating with local authorities and hospitals to locate the remaining OFWs. The Sky Villa Condominium, a 12-story building, remains a focal point of rescue efforts, though many recovered from the site have been deceased.

The Philippines has deployed a 91-member humanitarian contingent, including doctors and search-and-rescue experts, to assist in Myanmar. These teams are battling time and treacherous conditions, with aftershocks adding to the danger. For the families of the missing, each day brings a mix of dread and faint hope.

5. How the Philippines Is Responding

The Philippine government has stepped up in the wake of this disaster. Beyond rescue efforts, the DFA confirms second Filipino fatality in Myanmar quake while offering support to affected families. The embassy in Yangon has arranged repatriation for Filipinos wishing to return home and organized emotional support sessions through The Counselling Corner, a mental health group in Myanmar. In Manila, officials are urging preparedness for domestic earthquake risks, citing the Myanmar quake as a wake-up call.

For those wanting to help, the DFA encourages donations to reputable aid organizations. Visit UNICEF’s emergency response page to learn how you can support disaster relief efforts in Myanmar.

6. Conclusion: Supporting Filipinos Abroad

The news that DFA confirms second Filipino fatality in Myanmar quake is a heartbreaking chapter in an ongoing tragedy. It reminds us of the courage and vulnerability of OFWs who work abroad to support their families. As the search continues for the two missing Filipinos, the nation stands united in hope and solidarity.

To honor those lost, let’s advocate for better safety measures for Filipinos overseas and support disaster preparedness at home. Whether through donations or raising awareness, every action counts. Together, we can ensure that no Filipino family faces such loss alone.