Filipino nationals who die abroad must be immediately reported to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General with jurisdiction over their location. If required by transportation, health, or quarantine authorities, the Philippine consular officer can issue a consular Mortuary Certificate to enable the shipment of human remains of a Filipino who died abroad back home.
As soon as the facts of the death have been registered, the Philippine Foreign Service establishment abroad will issue the Report of Death that will include the facts of the death. Documents such as this are generally required by Philippine port authorities when repatriating or shipping remains of Filipino citizens. The Report of Death will also contain personal data such as the name of the deceased, their passport number, their date of birth, and the country where the death occurred. The Philippine Foreign Service establishment will also inform the Philippine Embassy or consulate in the country where the death occur. If a Filipino citizen dies abroad, the Philippine Embassy/Consulate should be informed within thirty (30) days of the death.
The Philippine Embassy will forward the Death Report to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for formal record/evidence of a Filipino’s death abroad. The purpose of this document is to assist in the processing of claims for benefits, insurance, and other civil transactions. The Death Report will also include information about the cause of death and the disposition of the deceased person’s remains. The PSA will then issue a certificate of death, which is necessary for any of the foregoing transactions.
Report Of Death Requirements For Philippines
To initiate the reporting and registration process, the following documents are typically required:
- Report of Marriage Contracted Abroad Form: Four original copies of this form must be duly accomplished, signed by both spouses, and notarized. Wives should indicate their maiden name as their last name on the form.
- Covering Letter: A handwritten or typed letter addressed to the Consular Section specifying the service requested. Contact information should be provided for communication purposes.
- Marriage Certificate: An original or certified true copy of the marriage certificate, along with four photocopies. If the certificate does not specify the civil status of the parties or the number of previous marriages, additional documentation may be needed.
- Passport Copies: Notarized copies of both spouses’ passport data pages, along with three photocopies.
- Proof of Filipino Citizenship: Original or notarized copies of documents proving the Filipino citizenship of the spouse(s) at the time of marriage. This may include green cards, US visas, naturalization certificates, or dual citizenship documents.
- PSA Birth Certificates: Original copy of the PSA birth certificate(s) of the Filipino spouse(s), accompanied by four photocopies.
- Affidavit for Delayed Registration: If reporting the marriage more than a year after the event, a notarized affidavit explaining the delay is required, along with three photocopies.
- Return Envelope: A self-addressed USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate or Priority Express envelope with a stamp worth $9.85 and a tracking number for the return of documents.
- Processing Fee: A $25.00 processing fee payable via money order made out to “Embassy of the Philippines.”
Why Immediate Reporting Matters
When a Filipino citizen dies abroad, swift reporting to the appropriate Philippine diplomatic mission is essential. Not only does it facilitate the necessary paperwork for repatriation, but it also ensures that the family receives timely assistance and support during a difficult time.
Reporting of Death Online Process
Upon the death of a Filipino national overseas, certain steps must be followed:
- Contact the Philippine Embassy/Consulate: Inform the nearest Philippine diplomatic mission within thirty (30) days of the death.
- Submission of Documents: The next of kin or a designated representative must provide essential documents, including the Certificate of Death issued by local authorities and proof of Filipino citizenship.
- Completing the Report of Death: Four original copies of the Report of Death Form must be signed by relevant parties, such as the attending physician, next of kin, or their representative.
- Payment of Fees: A $25.00 fee is applicable for this service, payable by cash, postal money order, or cashier’s check.
- Return Envelope: Include a self-addressed, postage-prepaid USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope for the return of documents.
FAQs About Report Of Death Requirements
Q 1: Do you need a death certificate for a passport?
Ans: Yes, a death certificate showing the date of death is required for passport purposes. It must be issued by an official government agency within two years of the date of death.
Q 2: DFA death benefits?
Ans: The DFA death benefit provides financial assistance to the family of the deceased, covering funeral expenses based on the person’s salary and years of service.
Q 3: How to check if Death Certificate is available in PSA?
Ans: The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) maintains a database of death certificates. The records can be accessed online by providing the deceased’s full name and address.
Q 4: How do you authenticate a death certificate?
Ans: A death certificate can be authenticated by obtaining an “authentication certificate” from the U.S. Department of State, required for international use.
Q 5: How to report a death?
Ans: The death should be reported to the relevant authorities, such as hospitals, medical examiners, or consulates, depending on the location of death.
Conclusion
Reporting the death of Filipino nationals abroad is a crucial responsibility that ensures proper documentation and assistance for the bereaved family. By following the outlined process and fulfilling the necessary requirements, families can navigate this challenging period with support from Philippine diplomatic missions.
