The Philippine government is extending assistance to 23 Filipino domestic workers affected by the fire in Hong Kong, including one who is currently hospitalized, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced.

One Filipino was reported missing, it added.

At least 65 were killed and many are still missing after a huge fire engulfed a high-rise residential building in Tai Po district.

The DFA said there are still no confirmed Filipino casualties from the incident.

However, one Filipino is confined at the ICU of a local hospital, the DFA said.

“The consulate will continue to coordinate with Hong Kong’s Police Force, Labor Department and Home Affairs Department to determine the whereabouts of one missing Filipino,” the DFA said, adding it is monitoring the situation in Tai Po closely. “The Department also wishes to thank Hong Kong authorities who are helping locate, identify and assist affected Filipinos,” it added.

Meanwhile, 19 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) were rescued from the deadly fire that hit a residential building in Hong Kong, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said.

There are 70 to 80 OFWs who have registered addresses in the Wang Fuk Housing Complex.

“Their passports were destroyed, their employment contracts were burned, and the PCG and RMWO are immediately resolving this. We also immediately provided food packs, assistance, dignity kits, and whatever else they needed,” said an OWWA administrator.

The local fire department reported that at least 55 persons died from the fire, the highest number of fatalities due to fire recorded in Hong Kong in recent decades.

Sixteen victims are currently in critical condition in various hospitals.

Meanwhile, more than 300 individuals remain missing per authorities.

Further, one OFW is in the hospital with her employer and a baby. The said OFW is the voice behind the audio recording that went viral while asking for help.

Philippine authorities have yet to confirm if there are still Filipinos trapped inside the burning buildings. Each of the shelters were checked to see if there were Filipinos among them.

“We also don’t want the families in the Philippines to panic, because there is a certain likelihood that they are not there, they might be in another place,” said a Department of Migrant Workers official.

The OWWA and the DMW are already coordinating with the families of the Filipinos affected by the fire in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong authorities said that the fire spread quickly in the buildings due to the use of unsafe materials in the renovation by a construction firm, such as the foam plastic materials in the windows.

The two managers and a consulting engineer of the construction company behind the renovation were arrested.

The fire also spread to the bamboo scaffolding surrounding the buildings, which is commonly used in Hong Kong.

According to the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, a task force has been formed that will focus on the investigation including whether projects using bamboo scaffolding are complying with standards.

Tai Po district

Tai Po is a district in the New Territories of Hong Kong with a rich history dating back to its days as a traditional market town. It was a key settlement for the Tang Clan, one of the region’s “Five Great Clans,” and later developed into an industrial area in the 20th century. Today, it is known for its balance of urban development and natural attractions, including Tai Po Waterfront Park and parts of the Plover Cove Country Park.

Wang Fuk Housing Complex

The Wang Fuk Housing Complex is a public housing estate located in Wong Tai Sin, Hong Kong, completed in 1970. It was part of a major government initiative to provide affordable housing for the city’s growing population during that era. The complex is a typical example of the dense, high-rise residential architecture that characterizes much of Hong Kong’s urban landscape.

Hong Kong Police Force

The Hong Kong Police Force was established in 1844 to maintain law and order in the nascent British colony. It has since evolved into a modern, professional service, playing a pivotal role in the city’s history, including its transition to a Special Administrative Region of China in 1997. Today, it remains responsible for policing one of the world’s safest major cities.

Hong Kong Labor Department

The Hong Kong Labour Department is a government body established to oversee labour legislation, employment services, and occupational safety in Hong Kong. It plays a key role in fostering harmonious labour relations and ensuring the rights and benefits of employees are protected under local laws such as the Employment Ordinance.

Hong Kong Home Affairs Department

The Hong Kong Home Affairs Department is a government body established to enhance communication between the government and the public. It manages community building programs, provides support services, and handles public inquiries across the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Hong Kong fire department

The Hong Kong Fire Services Department (HKFSD) was formally established in 1868, evolving from earlier volunteer fire brigades to meet the needs of the growing city. Today, it is a modern emergency service organization responsible not only for firefighting but also for ambulance and rescue services across Hong Kong. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding life and property in the dense urban environment.

bamboo scaffolding

Bamboo scaffolding is a traditional construction technique widely used in Southeast Asia, particularly in Hong Kong, for building and maintaining skyscrapers. Its history dates back centuries, rooted in ancient Chinese building practices that utilize the strength and flexibility of bamboo poles lashed together. This sustainable method remains prevalent today due to its cost-effectiveness, adaptability, and surprising resilience in high-wind environments.