ILOILO City – An Ilongga domestic worker is among the survivors of the horrific high-rise inferno in Tai Po, Hong Kong — a disaster that has killed at least 128 people and left around 150 others missing in the city’s deadliest fire in nearly 80 years.
Jessica Cordero Montecino Sampiano of Barangay Siwalo, Maasin, Iloilo narrowly escaped the Wang Fuk Court blaze with her employer’s child as flames and thick smoke engulfed the residential towers on November 26.
“We were so lucky to get out just in time,” Sampiano said in an interview with DYFM Bombo Radyo Iloilo.
She recalled clutching the child tightly as they fled.
“I was with my employer’s child when the incident happened. I held the child tightly, my heart racing as I realized that if we didn’t leave in just a few minutes, we would be trapped,” she said.
Sampiano recorded a video while running for safety, showing smoke swallowing the building.
“We have been staying at my employer friend’s house since the night of the fire, November 26. We haven’t slept at all; the trauma is overwhelming, and even now, we can hardly find peace to rest,” she added.
Filipino casualty confirmed
The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has confirmed one Filipino fatality, a female whose identity is being withheld pending notification of relatives.
It added that 79 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are safe, one injured, and 12 still being verified.
“The Consulate General of the Philippines in Hong Kong is presently continuing its on-the-ground operations to check the welfare of and assist overseas Filipino workers affected by the Tai Po fire incident,” it said.
Worst blaze in decades
The fire began shortly after 2:50 p.m., rapidly spreading due to foam materials and flammable bamboo scaffolding surrounding the towers — conditions now under scrutiny as investigators probe potential safety lapses.
Authorities have arrested 11 individuals linked to renovation works at the complex, amid allegations of substandard materials and corruption.
Search for survivors continues
Rescue workers continue combing through debris as families wait for word on loved ones still missing.
For Sampiano, survival comes with heartbreak:
“I just thank God every day for our safety. But my heart aches for those who were not so lucky,” she said.
Emergency Helplines
Immediately after the fire, the Iloilo provincial government activated round-the-clock emergency hotlines for Ilonggo overseas workers and their families who fear their relatives may be among the victims.
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., said PESO-Iloilo manager Cynthia Parcon-Dario.
The housing complex was undergoing extensive renovations when the fire began.
Dario also 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/PN