Filipina worker dies in Tai Pao fire

MANILA, Philippines – An overseas Filipino worker was among those who died in a massive fire that damaged a high-rise apartment complex in Hong Kong, the Philippine consulate general confirmed late Saturday, November 29.

“With great sadness, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong confirms the passing of an overseas Filipino worker from the Tai Po fire incident,” the consulate general said in a statement.

The consulate did not provide details about her identity, except that she had “made innumerable sacrifices to provide a better life for her family.”

“The Consulate General extends our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones at this trying time.”

As of November 29, the consulate general said 79 Filipinos have since been confirmed to be safe and accounted for while one was reported injured. The condition of 12 more Filipinos have yet to be verified.

The Filipina worker is one of at least 128 killed by the blaze, which broke out at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong on Wednesday, November 26.

As of Sunday, November 30, at least 150 people remain missing after the fire.

In a separate statement on Friday, November 29, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) identified the injured Filipina as Rhodora Alcaraz, who they described as a domestic worker who had just arrived in Hong Kong.  

Alcaraz, said OWWA, saved a three-month old baby during the fire. 

“Sa halip na tumakas, niyakap niya ang sanggol upang protektahan ito at nailigtas ang buhay ng bata. (Instead of fleeing, she held on to the child to protect it and save its life.)

Alcaraz is in critical condition but is stable and is responding well to medical interventions, said OWWA. 

The consulate general, OWWA, Department of Migrant Workers, and the Migrant Workers Office have already visited Alcaraz. The OWWA’s regional office in the Philippines have also visited her family to deliver news of her condition, as well as to address their needs. 

“Marami ang humanga sa kanyang kabayanihan, isang tunay na modern-day hero at huwaran ng malasakit at tapang ng Pilipino sa ibang bayan. Isama natin si Rhodora sa ating mga panalangin para sa kanyang mabilis na paggaling,” said OWWA.  

(Many commended her heroisim. She is a true modern-day hero and an example of the care and courage Filipinos exemplify overseas. Let us include Rhodora is our prayers for her speedy recovery.)

Hong Kong authorities have reportedly detained one person who was part of a group that launched a petition demanding government accountability, an independent probe into possible corruption, proper resettlement for residents, and a review of construction oversight, two sources familiar with the matter said.

Beijing had earlier warned against attempts to use the disaster to disrupt the city. Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China.

Over 200,000 Filipinos live in Hong Kong, according to the city’s census. Most of that population is composed of overseas Filipino workers. – Reuters/Rappler.com