Mandaluyong city: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) expressed deep concern over the reported disappearance of two overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong and assured the public that the agency is now in close coordination with Hong Kong authorities to locate the missing workers.
According to Philippines News Agency, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, during an interview on Tuesday in Mandaluyong City, stated that they are also collaborating with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine Consulate General, the Hong Kong Police Force, and the Hong Kong Immigration Department. "As of now, yes, we have received that type of information and we're currently working with our DFA, our Consulate General's office on this matter," he said.
A DMW statement on Tuesday identified the missing OFWs as Imee Mahilum Pabuaya, 24, and Aleli Perez Tibay, 33. It mentioned that based on reports from its Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Hong Kong, the two were last seen on Oct. 4 at the Tsuen Wan District.
The DMW is appealing to anyone with information on the whereabouts of Pabuaya and Tibay to reach out to the Philippine consulate or MWO-Hong Kong, emphasizing that even the smallest detail or photograph could help hasten the search. Meanwhile, the DMW also expressed solidarity with the families of the two OFWs while assuring them that all possible measures are being taken to locate their loved ones.
The agency said it is on standby and ready to provide all necessary support, including legal, medical, emergency assistance, and even emotional aid to their families. "Sa gitna ng pangambang ito, pinanghahawakan natin ang pag-asa. Hindi kayo nag-iisa. Kaisa ninyo ang buong DMW, pamahalaan, at sambayanang Pilipino sa panalangin at pagkilos para sa ligtas na pagbabalik nina Imee at Aleli (Amidst this fear, we hold onto hope. You are not alone. The entire DMW, government, and Filipino people are united in prayer and action for the safe return of Imee and Aleli)," it said.
The DMW also reiterated its commitment to protect the welfare of all Filipino workers abroad, stressing that the safety and well-being of every OFW remain its foremost duty. In response, DFA Spokesperson Angelica Escalona said the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, as well as the Migrant Workers Office and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, have already contacted the employer and the next-of-kin of the two missing Filipino nationals. "The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong is in coordination with the police and the immigration department on the whereabouts of our two missing kababayans in Hong Kong," she said in a statement.
