By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
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.
In an online briefing, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said 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 and later brought to the Sha Tin Police Station before being turned over to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Hong Kong shortly after midnight.
He noted they have undergone psychosocial counseling from the DMW’s social welfare attaché and would undergo a medical checkup.
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 and failed to return home from a day off.
The pair claimed they got lost while hiking on a country trail, which led to their disappearance for nearly two weeks.
“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 said.
“Pero bago pa man ito mangyari, susubukan muna nilang magpaliwanag sa kanilang employer (But before this happens, they will try to explain to their employers),” he added.
He assured the public that Pabuaya and Tibay are “safe and sound in the Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong.”
The DMW will assist them with the preparation of their repatriation documents if their termination becomes final.
The incident has drawn attention to the importance of emergency contact systems and coordination between Filipino migrant workers and Philippine offices abroad.
Consequently, Cacdac reminded overseas Filipinos to stay connected with Philippine authorities abroad, emphasizing the importance of maintaining contact with the Migrant Workers Office and the Philippine Consulate General, especially during emergencies. (PNA)
