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/

Bringing cremated remains from the Philippines to the US is generally allowed, but there are a few requirements: 1. Death certificate – get a certified copy from the Philippine authorities. 2. Cremation certificate – issued by the crematorium, confirming the cremation. 3. Permit to transport human remains – may be required by local Philippine authorities or the funeral home handling arrangements. 4. Container – the ashes should be in a sealed urn or container. If flying, a non-metal container is often recommended because airport X-ray machines must be able to scan it. 5. Airline rules – check with the airline before you travel. Each airline has specific rules for carrying ashes as carry-on or checked baggage. 6. US entry – US Customs and Border Protection generally allows cremated remains in when accompanied by proper documents (death certificate and cremation certificate). Many families use a Philippine funeral home that specializes in shipping cremated remains internationally. They can usually get the permits and arrange transport.

Since she was a veteran, she's entitled to have her ashes interred with full military honors, so they'll need her DD214. If she had it with her, please bring that back to the US too.

Make lots of copies of the death certificate. You'll need one for every bank account unless your name is on it, and one for life insurance

All of the above answers. Better bring all the papers you need before flying to the Philippines. Hopefully there's a trust if there's property, life insurance or a retirement account. If she named beneficiaries on all accounts, the relatives will need the death certificate and the beneficiaries' ID to release the benefits. So sorry for the loss.