Another Filipino tornado fatality

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed that another Filipino died in the tornado that struck the town of Joplin, Missouri, in the United States, on May 22.

Esterlita Manansala Moore was reportedly carried out of her apartment by the strong wind when the twister struck.

The Philippine Consulate in Chicago has sent a “message of sympathy” to Moore’s sister, Aiko Uylengco, and assured the family of the mission’s assistance, the DFA said.

The consulate confirmed earlier the death of another Filipina, Grace Aquino, 46, who died while trying to save her son Jacob, 11, from the deadly tornado that devastated parts of the US Midwest and left more than 120 others dead.

Jacob, who gave an account of the incident by phone to his grandmother in Pampanga last Monday, said he and his mom had just attended a church service when the tragedy struck. He said his mother had embraced him to protect him from a falling concrete post.

The consulate is now coordinating with the office of the Missouri governor for the release Aquino and Moore’s remains to their families, the DFA said. Tina G. Santos