Two missing Filipino workers in Hong Kong found safe, DMW confirms
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced on Friday that two overseas Filipino workers who went missing in Hong Kong have been located unharmed. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the 23-year-old Imee Pabuaya and the 33-year-old Aleli Tibay were found at 10:30 p.m. on Thursday and brought to the Sha Tin Police Station for initial processing before being taken to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Hong Kong around midnight.
What happened and where they were found
According to Cacdac, the pair were reportedly missing for nearly two weeks after they went hiking on a country trail. They were subsequently found and moved to a police station in Sha Tin, where movers from the MWO provided support. DMW noted that both workers are safe and in good condition, with psychosocial counseling arranged to help address any distress from their disappearance.
Current status and next steps
DMW clarified that the two OFWs are no longer employed by their Hong Kong employers. They plan to retrieve their belongings before any further actions. Cacdac explained that the sisters will first explain the circumstances of their disappearance to their former employers. If it is confirmed that their services have been terminated, the government will begin processing their repatriation documents to facilitate return to the Philippines.
Repatriation plans and support
Sec. Cacdac reassured that the OFWs will be assisted in repatriation if needed. The MWO will coordinate the necessary documentation and ensure the workers’ safe return home. While the process is underway, the two are under the care of the MWO in Hong Kong, and are receiving psychosocial support from the department’s social welfare attaché.
What families and other OFWs should know
The travel and work status of OFWs can be precarious, and officials emphasize the importance of reporting any concerns promptly. Cacdac’s remarks underscore the DMW’s commitment to monitoring welfare, especially for those who lose contact while abroad. The agency encourages families and employers to stay in close touch with the MWO to coordinate steps for safe repatriation and to resolve any employment status questions.
Protecting OFWs: broader context
The incident highlights ongoing efforts to bolster OFW welfare in Hong Kong and other overseas destinations. The DMW has repeatedly stressed the value of psychosocial support, robust communication lines, and timely access to consular services. As part of these efforts, the agency continues to work with international partners to ensure OFWs receive proper guidance, fair treatment, and a clear path home when situations change.
Bottom line
For now, the two missing OFWs are safe and under official care in Hong Kong. The next steps involve confirming employment status, retrieving belongings, and processing repatriation if necessary. The DMW and the Migrant Workers Office will keep families informed as details become available, reinforcing the Philippines’ commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its migrant workers abroad.
