One week after a very strong earthquake hit Myanmar, the Philippine government is still working hard to find four missing Filipino workers, also called OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers).
The earthquake happened on March 28 and was Magnitude 7.7, which means it was really powerful. It also affected nearby countries like Thailand.
Where Were the OFWs?
According to Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the four OFWs were staying in a 12-story dormitory, a very tall building with many floors. That building was surrounded by other buildings that also got damaged during the earthquake.
The search is difficult because there are heavy stones, broken pieces of walls, and lots of rubble (leftover parts of collapsed buildings). Search teams are going floor by floor, carefully checking every area to try and find them.
Many Groups Are Helping
The DMW is not doing this alone. They are working closely with:
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The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
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The Office of Civil Defense (OCD)
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Local Myanmar authorities
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And the Philippine team based in Myanmar
They are also talking to the families of the four missing OFWs to keep them updated.
“We won’t stop until we find them,” said Secretary Cacdac.
He explained that the rooms where the OFWs were staying are still standing, so there’s hope they might be found there.
Conditions Still Difficult
Earlier, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said the situation in Myanmar is still very difficult. There’s a lot of damage, and it’s taking time to move through the wreckage safely.
But the Philippine government is determined to help, not just to find the missing four, but also to help any other Filipinos who may need medical help or support after the disaster.
“We will do everything we can to help all OFWs in Myanmar,” Cacdac added.
