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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 22 OFWs affected by Hong Kong fire, one still missing – DMW

22 OFWs affected by Hong Kong fire, one still missing – DMW

Published Nov 28, 2025 03:48 pm
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac (File photo: DMW)
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac (File photo: DMW)
At least 22 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong are being monitored by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) after a massive fire displaced them and turned their personal belongings to ashes, a ranking government official disclosed on Friday, Nov. 28.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said no Filipino fatality has been confirmed by Hong Kong authorities so far after the blaze erupted on Nov. 26 at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in the Tai Po district.
“So far, there are no confirmed Filipino casualties, according to the Hong Kong authorities and the Philippine Consulate General’s office,” Cacdac said in Filipino in a radio interview over 105.9 True FM.
“We are currently monitoring 22 Filipinos who need assistance. They are staying in a shelter managed by the Hong Kong government and are being provided with aid as their belongings and property were lost in the fire,” he added.
One of those being monitored is an OFW who was brought to the hospital for intensive care after inhaling smoke. The OFW was previously reported missing but was found by Hong Kong authorities on Thursday night.
“The OFW is now in good condition and stable. The individual had inhaled smoke so the authorities had to rush the OFW to the ICU for a while. Of course, we are also in contact with the OFW’s family,” Cacdac bared.
Another female OFW remains unaccounted for and the DMW, in coordination with the Philippine Consulate General and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), is in contact with her family while Hong Kong police continue the search, Cacdac noted.
The Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong has a list of Filipino workers residing in the burned establishment but the DMW has yet to confirm if it is still updated.
“It’s possible that they were not in the building on the day of the incident. It’s also possible that in the last few days or weeks, their employer had transferred them but we do not have the exact count yet. However, we have already forwarded the list to the Consulate General’s office,” Cacdac said.
Nonetheless, the DMW chief said the situation remains under close monitoring as they continue to provide assistance to those affected.
According to reports, the estate, composed of eight high‑rise apartment towers with nearly 2,000 units, had been under renovation when it caught fire.Flames quickly engulfed several towers, sending thick smoke billowing into the sky and trapping many residents. The death toll reportedly reached 94 while dozens were hospitalized and hundreds remain missing.

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DMW Hong Kong fire Hans Leo Cacdac
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