DMW searches for 2 missing OFW in Hong Kong

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is in coordination with Hong Kong authorities to locate two missing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

In a statement on Wednesday, Oct. 15, the DMW identified the two as Imee Mahilum Pabuaya, 24, and Aleli Perez Tibay, 33.

“Kaagad namang nakipag-ugnayan sa Philippine Consulate General, Hong Kong Police Force, at Hong Kong Immigration Department upang simulan ang masusing imbestigasyon at aktibong paghahanap,” the agency said.

[Translation: We immediately coordinated with the Philippine Consulate General, Hong Kong Police Force, and Hong Kong Immigration Department to start a thorough investigation and active search.]

According to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Hong Kong, Pabuaya and Tibay were last seen in Tsuen Wan district on Oct. 4.

“Ang detalye na alam natin, nakapag day off sila at hindi nanumbalik sa kani-kanilang mga employers. Ni-report agad ng employers, ‘yon ang standard procedure,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said in a chance interview.

[Translation: What we have so far is that the two had their day off but did not return to their employers. The employers reported that immediately as a standard procedure.]

“They are still in Hong Kong, walang records sa [there were no records in] immigration of a departure,” he said.

Cacdac told reporters that they have gotten in touch with the families of the OFWs.

“We have endorsed the proper information with the authorities. Merong certain leads in terms of huling pagkakausap sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” Cacdac said of the initial contact with the families.

[Translation: We have endorsed the proper information with the authorities. There are certain leads given in terms of the last communication with the families.]

The DMW called on those who may have information on the possible whereabouts of the two OFWs to get in touch with the consulate or the MWO through the following details:

Telephone: +852 2866 0640

DMW-OWWA:1348

Email: mwo_hongkong@dmw.gov.ph

“Ang bawat tip, larawan, o detalye ay maaaring maging mahalagang susi sa mas mabilis na pagkakatagpo sa kanila,” the DMW said.

[Translation: Every tip, photo, or detail will be key to locate them swiftly.]

As of January, around 35,000 Filipinos are working in Hong Kong–the fourth country with the most number of deployed land-based OFWs, the DMW said.