OFWs affected by Hong Kong fire received financial aid — PH consulate

Overseas Filipino workers affected by the massive fire that gutted a housing estate in Hong Kong have received financial assistance from the Philippine government, a consulate official said Friday.

Romulo Victor Israel, Junior Philippine Consul-General to Hong Kong, said that based on the consulate's monitoring, at least 26 Filipino domestic workers in the Tai Po district were impacted by the fire. 

Of this figure, 25 were safe while one was hospitalized. Another Filipino remains missing.

"Ang ating Migrant Workers Office at OWWA ay aktibo sa pagpaparating ng tulong sa ating mga kababayan," Israel told Super Radyo dzBB.

(The DMW and OWWA are actively extending assistance to our fellow Filipinos.)

"Sa mga kamag-anak sa Pilipinas na na-identify na natin, mayroon silang financial assistance na matatanggap at ngayon nagkakaroon kami ng donation drive," he said.

(To their families in the Philippines, they will receive financial assistance. We also set up a donation drive.)

Early morning Friday, firefighters had mostly contained the blaze that destroyed the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in the northern district of Tai Po that killed at least 94 people and scores more missing. Reuters reported Friday that Hong Kong was set to wrap up search and rescue operations.

The eight-tower estate housing more than 4,600 people had been undergoing renovations and was wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh when the fire broke out on Wednesday.

Israel said the search continues for the missing Filipino worker.

"May isa na hinahanap at ito nga ni-report ng kanyang employer, kasama ang kanyang anak na 5-year-old daughter. Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa makita ang ating kababayan," he said.

(There is still one missing. She was reported missing by her employer, who said she was with her daughter. Authorities have yet to find her.)

Meanwhile, Israel said the Filipino worker who was hospitalized due to the fire, is now in a stable condition. The patient's health was previously reported to be in critical condition.

"As of last night, stable ang ating kababayan," he said.  

(As of last night, the Filipino was in a stable condition.)

Philippine authorities are still discussing the possible scenarios for the affected workers and are coordinating with Hong Kong authorities should they wish to continue their employment after the incident.

"Pinag-uusapan na namin ang scenario 'pag nawalan na sila ng trabaho... We will discuss it further with the HK neighbor kung paano natin sila matutulungan in case they want to continue working," he said.

(We are discussing the possible scenario should the affected workers lose their livelihoods. We are also coordinating with HK authorities on how we can help the overseas Filipinos should they wish to continue working.) — VDV, GMA Integrated News