All Filipinos affected by Hong Kong fire now accounted for - PH Consulate General

All the Filipinos affected by the deadly fire in Hong Kong are now accounted for after the last two Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) listed for verification were found to be in the Philippines before the incident happened, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong said.

The Consulate General confirmed that all 92 Filipino citizens concerned are now accounted for. 

“The last two OFWs listed for verification have been found to be already in the Philippines when the fire broke out. All Filipinos who likely worked at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex are all accounted for,” the statement read. 

The deadliest fire that hit Hong Kong in a decade resulted in the deaths of hundreds of 151 persons, including OFW Maryan Pascual Esteban, who was supposed to come home this Christmas. 

Meanwhile, domestic helper Rhodora Alcaraz remains hospitalized after she was injured while protecting her three-month old ward during the blaze. 

In a press conference, Hong Kong Labour and Welfare Secretary Chris Sun said that the family of the domestic helper who died will receive a compensation of roughly HK$800,000. Meanwhile, the family of those who were injured will also receive a financial assistance of “either HK $50,000 or HK $100,000 depending on the period of how long they are staying in the hospital.” 

On the other hand, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong informed those affected by the fire that the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) is offering services for those who lost and need to replace their Hong Kong IDs and other documents. 

The fees for applications for replacement of personal documents and extension applications have been waived for affected residents. 

The special services will be offered at the ImmD headquarters in Tseung Kwan O from December 1 to 5 (6pm to 10 pm), and December 6 (1pm to 10 pm). 

The ImmD officers at the temporary shelters will also provide transportation to the headquarters, the Consulate said. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News