Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to provide immediate assistance to overseas Filipino workers affected by the massive high-rise fire in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong authorities reported that the city experienced its worst fire in decades, with several apartment blocks in the Tai Po district engulfed in flames, killing at least 65 people and leaving hundreds missing as of 27 November, 8 p.m. local time.

The blaze began on Wednesday afternoon, 26 November, and is believed to have started on bamboo scaffolding. Fire authorities said flames at four of the residential buildings have been extinguished, while the remaining structures are now under control.

According to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, a total of 19 Filipinos have been rescued.

Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, stressed that Filipinos abroad must be able to rely on their government during emergencies.

“Dapat tutukan po ng DFA at DMW ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan sa ibang bansa. Siguraduhin na bukas ang kanilang mga tanggapan para makapagbigay ng agarang tulong sa ating mga OFWs at sa kanilang pamilya,” he stressed.