Philippine Government Provides Aid to OFWs Affected by Hong Kong Tai Po Fire

MANILA — The Philippine government has mobilized all necessary assistance for 23 Filipino workers affected by the recent fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, according to Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief Patricia Yvonne Caunan.

In an interview, Caunan confirmed that teams from the Philippine Consulate General, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), and OWWA were promptly dispatched to the designated shelters established by Hong Kong authorities, where displaced Filipinos have been relocated.

"We have identified 22 of our countrymen impacted by the fire in the Tai Po area. We have already provided initial support and will follow up with additional assistance from the Philippine government," Caunan stated.

She also addressed the case of a Filipina worker whose urgent plea for help went viral. The worker was trapped along with her employer and the infant she cared for. Thanks to timely intervention from the Hong Kong government, they were rescued and are currently hospitalized. Caunan assured that the worker is stable and expected to recover within three to five days after suffering carbon monoxide inhalation.

OWWA representatives have also visited the family of the affected OFW in Manila to provide status updates.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has verified the safety of 58 Filipinos and reported that one remains missing. Authorities are currently confirming the situation of 91 Filipinos registered at Wang Fuk Court, noting that some may have moved, switched employers, or returned to the Philippines before the fire occurred.

To support families seeking information on their relatives, OWWA and the Department of Migrant Workers have established 24/7 emergency hotlines. Those requiring assistance may contact PCG Hong Kong at +852 9155 4023; MWO-Hong Kong at +852 5529 1880 or via email at [email protected]; or OWWA-Hong Kong at +852 6345 9324 / +852 9180 4920.