Metro Manila, Philippines – An overseas Filipino worker has died after a huge fire incident hit a high-rise apartment complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, the Philippine consulate general there confirmed on Saturday, Nov. 29.
The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong extended condolences to the family and loved ones of Maryan Pascual Esteban, who was first reported missing.
“Far from her native home, she had made innumerable sacrifices to provide a better life for her family,” it said. “She leaves behind a ten-year old son and her family in Cainta, Rizal,” it added.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Administrator PY Caunan went to Estaban’s family, where they assured that the government will provide assistance in repatriating the remains.
Estaban’s son will also receive aid for his education until college.
According to the consulate, one Filipino was critically injured while the status of seven others were still for verification. It said 84 Filipinos were safe.
It said it continues on-the-ground operations to check the welfare of the OFWs affected by the fire.
Authorities reported around 128 people have died, a toll that is likely to rise with 150 still missing days after the disaster.
Domestic workers were caught up in the tragedy. Hong Kong has around 368,000 foreign domestic workers, more than half come from the Philippines.
