DFA: Filipino climber dies of hypothermia while trekking Japan Alps

A Filipino has died while trekking in the Northern Japan Alps last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Friday.

The Filipino, who was in a group with six other mountaineers from the Philippines, succumbed to hypothermia on Oct. 12, the DFA said.

Two other Filipino mountaineers in the group who suffered trauma have received medical attention, it added. One was discharged, while the other is expected to be released from the hospital next week. 

"The Philippine Consulate General in Nagoya is working closely with Japanese authorities, the family of the deceased, and all concerned parties to ensure the proper documentation and transfer of remains," the DFA said.

Assistance to other Filipino mountaineers and their families will be provided, it said.

Kyodo News said Japanese authorities launched a search Saturday evening after receiving an emergency call from a staff of the mountain lodge near the summit that three Filipinos were missing.

The report identified the victim as a 53-year-old man, "who was in a serious condition" and "was later confirmed dead." –NB, GMA Integrated News