Three overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Northern Ireland are receiving assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) after their residences were affected by recent riots in Ballymena, County Antrim.

In a statement issued Thursday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac confirmed that the Filipinos were unharmed but temporarily evacuated from their homes as a safety precaution

“The situation has already calmed down and law enforcement has taken over, but nevertheless, they temporarily vacated their respective residences, so we’re helping them right now,” Cacdac said.

The unrest broke out on Monday following a vigil for a teenage girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted by two 14-year-old boys. The suspects have been charged with attempted rape. What began as a local protest quickly escalated into racially motivated violence, with mobs reportedly targeting foreign residents.

The affected OFWs are factory workers — two serve as mechanics while one is employed as a driveline operator.

Cacdac said the three OFWs are employed in factories, two working as mechanics, and one as a driveline operator.

“Rest assured, we are in touch with them — also with their families, because they are all entitled to bring their families. So, we are also helping their families,” Cacdac added.