Two missing OFWs in Hong Kong found safe — DMW

Metro Manila, Philippines - Two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were reported missing in Hong Kong have been found safe, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced on Friday, Oct. 17.

In a press briefing, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed that Aimee Mahilum Pabuaya, 24, and Aleli Perez Tibay, 33, were located late Thursday night after being reported missing since October 4.

According to Cacdac, Hong Kong police located Pabuaya and Tibay at the Shatin Police Station. The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Hong Kong took them and brought them to the Migrant Workers Office, where they were given psychosocial counseling by a social welfare attaché.

“Rest assured, they are both in good condition, safe and sound in our Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong,” he said.

Termination and next steps

The two workers have reportedly been terminated by their employer, pending further explanation of the incident.

“May medical check-up sila ngayong araw at na-terminate na sila sa kanilang employer,” Cacdac said.

[Translation: They will undergo a medical check-up today and have been terminated by their employer.]

The DMW said Pabuaya and Tibay will their belongings and clarify their side with their employers before arrangements for possible repatriation can be finalized.

“Kung tuluyan na silang kailangan umuwi, isasaayos na natin ang kanilang repatriation,” Cacdac said.

[Translation: If they ultimately need to return home, we will arrange their repatriation.]

Preliminary information from the two workers indicated that they got lost while hiking on a country trail in Hong Kong.

“Nawala daw sila due to wild hiking sa isang country trail,” Cacdac said.

[Translation: They said they went missing while hiking on a country trail.]

He added that the department is still gathering more details to confirm the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.

“Hindi pa malinaw yung buong kuwento… ginagather pa natin yung sapat na detalye,” Cacdac said.

[Translation: The full story isn’t clear yet… we are still gathering sufficient details.]

Earlier this week, the DMW said it immediately coordinated with the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Police Force, and the Hong Kong Immigration Department to investigate the case.

Cacdac said the DMW also contacted the families of the two workers while they were missing.

“Administrator PY Caunan and her team contacted the families of the two all throughout the time na nawawala sila,” he said.

[Translation: Administrator PY Caunan and her team contacted the families of the two throughout the time they were missing.]

Cacdac urged Filipino workers abroad to be aware of the MWO’s emergency contact points for their safety.