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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DFA verifying reported Filipinos trapped in Hong Kong fire

DFA verifying reported Filipinos trapped in Hong Kong fire

Published Nov 27, 2025 09:12 am
Firefighters work to extinguish a fire which broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a high-rise residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong’s New Territories, Wednesday, Nov. 26 2025. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)
Firefighters work to extinguish a fire which broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a high-rise residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong’s New Territories, Wednesday, Nov. 26 2025. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that it is still verifying reports that some Filipinos have been trapped in the massive fire at a residential complex in Hong Kong.
In a statement on Thursday morning, Nov. 27, the agency shared that it has received “unverified” reports that there were some Filipinos trapped in the Level 5 fire that spread across multiple high-rise apartment buildings.
It, however, clarified that the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has yet to receive any confirmed reports of Filipinos killed or injured in the residential complex located in Tai Po in New Territories, Hong Kong.
“However, the Consulate received unverified information that some Filipino domestic workers may be trapped inside the buildings. The Consulate immediately passed on this information to authorities,” the DFA said.
“Efforts by the Hong Kong Fire Services Department to contain the fire are still ongoing. Due to the scale and intensity of the fire, it will take time before the extent of the damage and number and nationality of the victims are fully determined,” the statement added.
It assures that the Consulate has been coordinating with the Hong Kong Police Force and “stands ready to assist any Filipino national who may be affected or injured in the fire.”
Based on the latest foreign media reports, some 44 people have already been killed and some 279 are feared missing as firefighters have been working to reach some residents trapped on the higher floors of the buildings.
The massive fire across multiple buildings started on Wednesday night, Nov. 26, but up until Thursday morning, firefighters are still battling isolated flames.
Authorities have arrested three construction company executives on suspicion of manslaughter connected to the use of flammable materials—including bamboo scaffolding and polystyrene boards—that reportedly allowed the fire to spread quickly.

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Hong Kong Fire DFA PH Consulate General in Hong Kong
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