Philippines Ambassador to Lebanon Bernardita Catalla died early this morning of coronavirus in Beirut, according to local media reports.

Axar.az reports that Catalla, 62, was being treated in a hospital in Beirut for chronic respiratory problems after she contracted coronavirus.

“With deep sadness, the Department of Foreign Affairs announces the untimely demise on April 2, 2020, of Ambassador Bernardita Catalla, Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon, from complications arising from COVID-19,” a statement from the Philippines authorities said.