Sorry for your loss. Yes, notify the US Embassy in Manila and request a Consular Report of Death Abroad (CRDA, also called CRODA). The Embassy prepares this official US record from the Philippine death certificate. It serves as proof of death for US matters like life insurance claims and settling the estate. Because it's a US government document, it doesn't need a Philippine apostille to be used in the US. You can start the process from the US; there's no need to travel to Manila. Email American Citizen Services at ACSInfoManila@state.gov. Include the deceased's full name, date and place of death, your relationship and your contact details. Ask whether a report has already been issued, and if not, what documents they need. If the report already exists, next of kin or the estate's legal representative can request an official copy from the US Department of State: Fill out Form DS-5542 and sign it in front of a notary. Include a photocopy of the front and back of your valid photo ID. Include a check or money order for $50 per copy, payable to “U.S. Department of State.” Mail everything to: U.S. Department of State Passport Vital Records 44132 Mercure Circle PO Box 1213 Sterling, VA 20166-1213 They can mail the copy to your US address. Official instructions and form: https://travel.state.gov/en/replace-certify/request-record/death-abroad-croda.html Before paying to apostille other Philippine documents, ask the bank, insurer or attorney handling things exactly what they need. Embassy information: https://ph.usembassy.gov/death-of-a-u-s-citizen/
