The Philippine government is reaching out to help 23 Filipino domestic workers affected by the deadly high-rise fire in Hong Kong, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Thursday.
But among the Filipinos they’re helping, one remains missing.
A Tragedy That Shook Hong Kong
The fire, which engulfed a residential building in the Tai Po district, left at least 65 people dead. Many more are still missing, making it one of Hong Kong’s deadliest fires in recent decades.
So far, the DFA said no Filipino fatalities have been reported.
However, one Filipino remains in critical condition, confined in a hospital ICU.
Search Continues for Missing Filipino
The DFA assured the public that the Philippine Consulate is working closely with Hong Kong’s Police Force, Labor Department, and Home Affairs Department to locate the missing Filipino worker.
“We are monitoring the situation closely,” the DFA said, also expressing gratitude to Hong Kong authorities for their support in locating and assisting Filipinos.
19 OFWs Rescued, Many Lost Everything
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) confirmed that 19 OFWs were rescued from the burning building.
But many of them lost everything—
their passports,
their employment contracts,
and the little belongings they had.
OWWA Administrator Py Caunan said help came immediately:
“Nasunugan sila ng passport at kontrata. Agad-agad itong inaasikaso ng PCG at RMWO. Nagbigay kami ng food packs, tulong, dignity kits—lahat ng kailangan nila.”
Scores Dead, Hundreds Missing
At least 55 people have died, and more than 300 individuals are still missing, officials said. Sixteen victims are in critical condition in various hospitals.
One OFW, whose desperate voice was heard in a viral audio recording calling for help, is currently in the hospital with her employer and a baby.
Authorities in the Philippines have yet to confirm if more Filipinos are trapped inside the burned structures.
DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac reminded the public:
“Ayaw natin mag-panic ang pamilya. May posibilidad na nasa ibang lugar sila at ligtas.”
Looking into What Went Wrong
Hong Kong officials revealed that the blaze spread rapidly because of unsafe renovation materials, including flammable foam plastic used in window structures.
The fire also climbed the bamboo scaffolding surrounding the buildings—a common construction element in Hong Kong that can easily catch fire.
Three individuals—two managers and a consulting engineer from the construction firm behind the renovation—were arrested.
A task force has now been formed to investigate whether renovation projects using bamboo scaffolding follow safety standards.
