Summary: OFWs Located and Receiving Support
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Friday that two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who had been reported missing in Hong Kong have been found safe. The workers, a 23-year-old and a 33-year-old, were located late Thursday and brought to the Sha Tin Police Station before being escorted to the Philippine Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Hong Kong for psychosocial assistance. The department reassured families and the public that the workers are unharmed and currently receiving support while they determine their next steps.
Details from the DMW Briefing
During an online press briefing, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac provided a concise timeline of events. He said the two OFWs, identified only by age, were found around 10:30 p.m. local time on Thursday. They were later brought to a police station in Sha Tin and, near midnight, transported to the MWO in Hong Kong, where social welfare attaches offered psychosocial counseling.
Cacdac explained that the women were no longer employed by their former Hong Kong employers. The initial report suggested they had gone missing while hiking on a country trail. The two indicated they would first speak with their employers before discussing their situation further. Their employment contracts have been terminated, and they will need to arrange the retrieval of their personal belongings. The DMW is prepared to assist with repatriation documents if the workers’ services have indeed been terminated.
“They are safe and in good condition at our MWO in Hong Kong,” the secretary affirmed, noting that counseling and welfare services would continue as they map out the next steps for their return home.
What Comes Next for the OFWs
With their immediate wellbeing secured, the two Filipina workers now face important decisions about their future. The DMW emphasized that the next steps include formal documentation for repatriation, coordination with the Philippine Consulate, and ensuring that the workers have access to all needed legal and welfare resources. Cacdac also stressed the importance of clear communication with their former employers, especially since the workers have indicated a desire to retrieve personal belongings and resolve employment termination matters.
Advocates for migrant workers say that the situation underscores the challenges OFWs can encounter abroad, including uncertainties surrounding employment status and access to timely support. The DMW’s rapid response—providing psychosocial counseling and a clear path toward repatriation—highlights the importance of robust welfare networks for overseas workers.
Context: Why This Happened
Missing persons cases among OFWs in Hong Kong and other duty stations often trigger concern among families and the wider Filipino community. In many instances, workers may be on unplanned excursions due to personal, health, or safety concerns, or under misunderstood circumstances with employers. In this case, the positive outcome was aided by the coordinated efforts of Hong Kong police, the Philippine MWO, and the DMW’s crisis-management framework.
Messages from the Philippine Government
DMW Secretary Cacdac reassured families that the government will continue to monitor the situation and provide necessary assistance throughout repatriation procedures. He urged employers and migrant workers to maintain open lines of communication and to report concerns promptly to their respective welfare offices to enable faster resolution and safe repatriation when necessary.
Takeaway for OFWs and Their Families
This incident demonstrates the resilience of migrant workers and the value of established support structures. For families, the key takeaway is to stay connected with the DMW and MWO for timely information and to understand the available channels for help—especially when a worker goes missing or faces sudden changes in employment. The DMW’s update serves as a reminder that, even in challenging situations abroad, there are mechanisms designed to protect OFWs and facilitate safe returns home.
