Mandaluyong city: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), in coordination with the Philippine Consulate General, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), and Hong Kong Authorities, has successfully repatriated the remains of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Maryan Pascual Esteban. Esteban was the only Filipino fatality in the tragic fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong.

According to Philippines News Agency, at a media briefing held in Mandaluyong City, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced that Esteban's remains arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal on Saturday evening. Subsequently, they were transported to her home province in Tuguegarao on Sunday. The turnover of the remains was overseen by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Chief Patricia Yvonne "PY" Caunan, who was present in the province to assist Esteban's family.

Cacdac mentioned the assistance provided to the family, including meeting Esteban's 10-year-old son. The DMW is addressing the immediate need for funeral and burial assistance, and plans to extend longer-term support to the family, including livelihood assistance and a scholarship for Esteban's son. Esteban is also entitled to statutory compensation from the Hong Kong government.

Esteban perished in the Tai Po fire on November 26. The DMW highlighted her bravery, noting her efforts to save a 5-year-old girl during the fire. Despite her heroism, both Esteban and the child lost their lives.

The DMW also mentioned that Esteban had served as a domestic worker in Hong Kong for five years and was planning to reunite with her son in the Philippines. Reports indicate that the Tai Po fire claimed at least 161 lives and left nearly 5,000 people homeless.