No Pinoy casualty in Italy earthquake - Palace

MANILA, Philippines - There were no Filipinos among the casualties in the powerful earthquake that rocked central Italy on Monday. Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said this was the initial report received by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) from the Philippine Embassy in Rome “Embassy labor attaché Manuel Roldan has been in touch with the Filipino community in the area," said Remonde, referring to the city of L’Aquila, the hardest hit area of the 6.3-magnitude earthquake. Latest wire reports said more than 70 people were killed in the earthquake. Remonde said they received reports that some Filipinos lost their homes. “These Filipinos and their families are now being assisted by the local civil protection office," he said. Italian Interior Ministry records said there are at least 150 Filipinos in L’Aquila. Remonde said the Philippine Embassy is coordinating with the Interior Ministry and local authorities in assisting the community members. - GMANews.TV