Guimarasnon killed in Beirut blast

A Guimaras native was among those who perished in the powerful blast that devastated Beirut, Lebanon on Aug 4, 2020.

Authorities identified the fatality as Milagros Sumaculob, 67, of Buenavista, Guimaras.

Her daughter-on-law, Gen Marie Sumaculob confirmed the information with Daily Guardian.

Based on radio interviews, Milagros worked as household helper of a United Nations (UN) diplomat in Lebanon.

According to the provincial government of Guimaras, she died while being treated at the American University Hospital.

Gen Marie said she last spoke to her mother Monday where she informed her that she will have a granddaughter (Gen Marie’s daughter).

“Sang last night lang ta nagstorya nga lipay lipay ka nga girl imo apo.  Hambal mo may panagupnop kagid nga babaye amo na puro pink ginpapackage mo nga pangbaby,” Gen Marie shared in Facebook.

Sumaculob’s employer has coordinated with her family and assured the prompt repatriation of her remains.

Her remains will be airlifted from Lebanon on Aug 9 at the earliest, the daughter-in-law said.

In a phone interview, Buenavista Mayor Eugene Reyes said that the municipality will be extending assistance to the family of the victim.

“We will give financial assistance. Our municipal social welfare and development office will make the assessment to determine the amount of assistance,” he said.

The provincial government of Guimaras also extended its condolences to the bereaved family on Friday.

In a statement, Guimaras Governor Samuel Gumarin committed that the provincial government will assist the repatriation of Milagros.

“We are deeply pained to hear that the recent explosion in Beirut killed a fellow Guimarasnon.

While we stand in solidarity with the world in this difficult time and grief, the provincial government will be right behind the bereaved family of Milagros Sumaculob from New Poblacion, Buenavista, all throughout the process up until her body will be transported back home,” Gumarin said.

Milagros has been working in Lebanon since 2018. The provincial government said she was supposed to return home for good in December 2020.

Gen Marie, who is pregnant, said that she will name her baby, “Jamila” which means “beautiful” in Lebanese, as suggested by her late mother-in-law.

“Gusto mo Jamila gid ngalan sang apo mo para ara imo ngalan kag namian ka sang meaning kay beautiful na dira sa Lebanon. Ma damo-damo kapa gani plano mag for good ka sundon gid namon ni Patrick tanan nga tugon mo samon ma. Palangga ka gid namon ma,” she shared.

As of August 7, 2020, the Department of Foreign Affairs said four Filipinos died in the Beirut explosion while 31 were injured.

Authorities have recorded over a hundred deaths and more than 5,000 wounded by the blast.

The explosion was allegedly caused by about 2,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate, a highly explosive material, that was stored at the Port of Beirut. (ERS)