Manila: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Friday that the two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) earlier reported missing in Hong Kong have been found safe and are now under the care of Philippine authorities.

According to Philippines News Agency, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac revealed that 23-year-old Imee Pabuaya and 33-year-old Aleli Tibay were located by Hong Kong authorities at around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday. They were subsequently brought to the Sha Tin Police Station before being turned over to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Hong Kong shortly after midnight.

Cacdac noted that the two workers have undergone psychosocial counseling from the DMW's social welfare attach© and are scheduled for a medical checkup. Reports from the MWO in Hong Kong indicated that Pabuaya and Tibay were last seen on October 4 in the Tsuen Wan District and did not return home following a day off.

The pair explained that they got lost while hiking on a country trail, leading to their nearly two-week disappearance. "Na-terminate na sila sa kanilang employer kaya't kukunin na 'yung kanilang belongings sa kanilang mga employer (Both workers have since been terminated by their employers, but they will first retrieve their belongings)," Cacdac stated. He added that they will attempt to explain their situation to their employers before any further actions.

Cacdac assured the public that Pabuaya and Tibay are "safe and sound in the Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong." The DMW is prepared to assist them with the preparation of their repatriation documents if their termination becomes final.

This incident highlights the importance of emergency contact systems and the coordination between Filipino migrant workers and Philippine offices abroad. As a result, Cacdac urged overseas Filipinos to maintain communication with Philippine authorities abroad, stressing the necessity of staying in contact with the Migrant Workers Office and the Philippine Consulate General, especially during emergencies.