MANILA (December 1) — A Filipina domestic worker was confirmed dead in the massive fire that tore through Tai Po district in Hong Kong—the city’s deadliest blaze in decades—killing at least 128 people and plunging thousands into mourning.
The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong said Saturday it is withholding the identity of the victim, honoring the family’s privacy.
“Far from her native home, she had made innumerable sacrifices to provide a better life for her family,” the consulate wrote in a statement, extending condolences as Hong Kong entered the second day of its three-day mourning period.
DMW chief consoles family, son vows to become firefighter
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, together with OWWA Administrator PY Caunan, visited the victim’s family Saturday night to convey President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s condolences and assure full government assistance.
Cacdac shared that he spoke with the victim’s 10-year-old son, who said he dreams of becoming a firefighter “para wala na pong mamatay sa sunog.”
The DMW chief called the fallen OFW a “heroine who died while taking care of her employer’s five-year-old daughter,” adding, “May her soul rest in God’s eternal embrace.”
84 Filipinos safe; 7 cases under verification
The consulate said 84 Filipinos affected by the blaze have been confirmed safe, while seven cases are still being verified.
Pinay hurt after saving 3-month-old baby
Amid the tragedy, a story of courage emerged. Filipina domestic worker Rhodora Alcaraz, newly arrived in Hong Kong, survived after rescuing a three-month-old baby from the flames and suffocating smoke at Wang Fuk Court.
Instead of fleeing, Alcaraz shielded the infant with her own body, OWWA said. The baby survived; Alcaraz remains in critical but stable condition.
OWWA and DMW representatives have visited her in the hospital, while OWWA’s local office has reached out to her family in the Philippines.
“Marami ang humanga sa kanyang kabayanihan,” OWWA said, calling her a “modern-day hero” and urging the public to pray for her recovery.
Deadliest Hong Kong fire in over 70 years
As of Saturday, authorities reported:
- 128 dead
- 44 bodies awaiting identification
- 150 people missing
- 40+ hospitalized, including 19 in critical condition
