MANILA — The two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were reported missing since October 4 in Hong Kong are now safe and under the care of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), according to Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac in a press briefing.

The two were identified as 24-year-old Imee Mahilum Pabuaya and 33-year-old Aleli Perez Tibay. They were last seen hiking along the Lung Mun Country Trail in Tsuen Wan.

After several days of search operations, authorities found them around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, and brought them to the Sha Tin Police Station. The MWO-Hong Kong team immediately went to assist the two, who were later taken safely to the MWO office before midnight.

“Rest assured, they are both in good condition, safe and sound, and under the care of our Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong,” said Secretary Cacdac. “They are currently receiving psychosocial counseling and will undergo a medical check-up today.”

Cacdac added that both workers’ employment contracts had been terminated, but the DMW is assisting them in retrieving their belongings and coordinating with their former employers. “‘Yun ang sabi nila, ‘yun ang version nila. Kakausapin pa natin sila nang mas detalyado at hihingi tayo ng sinumpaang salaysay,” he said.

If necessary, the DMW is also ready to facilitate their immediate repatriation to the Philippines.

Secretary Cacdac reminded OFWs to exercise caution during outdoor activities and to ensure proper coordination and communication with acquaintances or government offices before going out.

“It’s important for our fellow Filipinos to know how to contact our Migrant Workers Office (MWO), the Philippine Consulate General, and other hotlines in case of emergency,” he said.

MWO-Hong Kong can be reached through +852 2866 0640 or by email at mwo-hongkong@dmw.gov.ph for immediate assistance or inquiries.

Cacdac also noted that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), led by Administrator Atty. Patricia Yvonne Caunan, promptly informed the families of the two OFWs while the search and rescue operation was ongoing.

“We thank our teams in Hong Kong and the local authorities there. Because of their swift response, our compatriots are now safe,” Cacdac said.