ILOILO – With the death toll rising and hundreds still unaccounted for in the massive fire that swept through a public housing complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, the Iloilo provincial government has activated round-the-clock emergency hotlines for Ilonggo overseas workers and their families who fear their relatives may be among the victims.
At least 44 people have been confirmed dead, while 279 individuals remain missing as of the latest update from Hong Kong authorities.
The province moved swiftly, recognizing the large Ilonggo community living and working in the territory.
The hotlines were opened through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO)–Iloilo following direct instructions from Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.
“Na-activate na ang aton Bulig Ilonggo kay every time nga may crisis, ang aton Gov. Toto Defensor nagamandu i-activate immediately ang hotlines. That’s why ginapagwa ang aton hotline numbers,” said PESO-Iloilo manager Cynthia Parcon-Dario in an interview with Panay News.
The blaze broke out at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex at 2:51 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, and was classified as a level five – the highest in severity – by the Hong Kong fire department.
The housing complex was undergoing extensive renovations when the fire began.
There are reports that some Hong Kong residents, and possibly foreign domestic workers, were trapped in the buildings.
No Calls Yet, But Rapid Community Checks Underway
As of press time, PESO-Iloilo has not yet received any call, text, or walk-in request from families seeking help in tracing their OFW relatives in Hong Kong.
Still, Dario said proactive measures have already started at the barangay level.
“Ang ginahimu subong… ginapa-mobilize ang PESO Barangay Coordinators, OFW Associations, and Municipal PESO para magkadto sa barangay level kag mag-usisa sa mga families nga may relative nga OFWs sa Hong Kong para mabal-an ang ila sitwasyon,” she said.
The goal: identify, verify, and assist families even before distress calls come in.
24/7 Hotline Numbers Released
The provincial government released five emergency numbers:
* 0998-9905-663
* 0917-7543-833
* 0910-0054-682
* 0916-7583-156
* 0995-9310-922
“Open ang aton linya, we are a 24/7 kag nagapangayo man kami bulig sa mga himata sang mga Ilonggo nga didto mismo sa scene of the incident nga i-update and inform kita so that we will know and ma-update man naton ang aton governor kon ano bala sitwasyon sang mga Ilonggo,” Dario added.
Waiting for Official Word From DMW, DFA, OWWA
PESO is also awaiting formal advisories from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on whether Ilonggos were affected by the blaze.
The Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong earlier reported receiving unverified information that some Filipino domestic workers may be trapped inside the buildings.
If Ilonggo OFWs are confirmed affected or in need of repatriation, the provincial government is prepared to extend aid.
Dario said P10,000 financial assistance is ready for repatriated OFWs affected by crises or natural disasters./PN
