Three Filipino pilgrims passed away 'due to natural causes' before they were able to perform the actual Hajj rites in Saudi Arabia, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh confirmed. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Rommel Romato said Thursday the government would assist in the burial of the deceased in Makkah. 'Prior to the actual Hajj rites (June 26-30), the Philippine Embassy recorded three Filipino pilgrims who died due to natural causes. The Embassy and the Philippine Consulate are assisting in the burial of the deceased in Makkah,' he said in a text message. The embassy did not provide details on the cause of the pilgrims' deaths nor the specific dates of their passing. Meanwhile, Romato assured that the embassy would continue to monitor the condition of the more than 7,000 pilgrims performing the Hajj in Saudi Arabia. 'I visited our Filipino pilgrims in Mina on June 28 to ascertain their condition. Most of our pilgrims have experienced logistical challenges during the Hajj,' he said. 'They expect improvements in the NCMF's (National Commission on Muslim Filipinos') arrangements for accommodation, food, and transportation, etc.' The NCMF has a dedicated medical team attending to pilgrims who experience difficulties as a result of the extreme weather condition in Saudi Arabia. "Some pilgrims were endorsed to the hospitals but were eventually discharged," he said. "Saudi Arabia has modern medical facilities catering to the needs of millions of pilgrims. Medical services are provided to all pilgrims free of charge." Data from Saudi Arabia's National Center for Meteorology showed that the temperature in the kingdom this week has reached as high as 44°C.

Source: Philippines News Agency