The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said a group of Filipino pilgrims onboard a bus were injured in an accident in Sinai, Egypt, according to a report posted on the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website.
One of the 23 injured passengers was Fr. Marvin Mejia, CBCP secretary general.
The American husband of a Filipina pilgrim died in the accident that occurred near Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, Egypt on Oct. 23, DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Muñez confirmed.
“The extent of the injuries suffered by the Filipinos range from bruises to broken bones, and most of them have been discharged from the hospital in Sharm-el-Sheik (in Sinai),” he said.
“Many of them will be returning to the Philippines in the next few days,” he added.
Caloocan Bishop Pablo David said in a Facebook post that he received the information came from CBCP President Archbishop Romulo Valles, who is also the Archbishop of Davao.
“Fr. Mejia and the rest of the group, particularly those who were injured, got help and assistance from the Apostolic Nunciature in Cairo, Egypt, especially that there is a Filipino priest there, Fr. (Jan) Limchua, who is also from Cebu, working in that Apostolic Nunciature,” he added.
Mejia and the other injured passengers were brought to the Sharm El Sheikh International Hospital, South Sinai Hospital.
They also received assistance from the Philippine Embassy in Cairo as well as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) living in the area.
Bishop David, in another post said he was told by Father Limchua that Mejia is out of danger, has been discharged from the hospital and currently recuperating.
The faithful are requested to pray for the recovery of those injured, and the passenger who died in the accident whose identity was not revealed in the social media posts.
