Senator Christopher "Bong" Go on Wednesday urged the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to ensure that Filipinos in Venezuela receive timely assistance following the powerful earthquakes that struck the South American country.

Go said the government must ensure that overseas Filipino workers and other Filipinos abroad have access to clear advisories, emergency hotlines, and immediate assistance during disasters, political unrest, or disruptions in public services.

"Ang importante sa ating mga kababayan sa abroad, alam nilang may malalapitan sila kapag kailangan nila ng tulong. Dapat malinaw ang impormasyon, mabilis ang koordinasyon, at handa ang mga ahensya na umalalay sa kanila," Go said.

He urged the DMW and DFA to coordinate with the Philippine Embassy in Bogotá, which has jurisdiction over Venezuela, to maintain communication with Filipinos there, issue timely safety advisories, and assist affected individuals and their families.

The DFA earlier reported that no Filipino casualties were recorded following the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on 24 June. The agency said it continues to monitor the situation through the Philippine Embassy in Bogotá and advised Filipinos in affected areas to move to safer locations, monitor official updates, and follow the instructions of local authorities.

According to the DFA, the embassy has been in contact with Filipinos in Caracas and Barinas, advising them to shelter in place and stay updated on local developments. About 74 Filipinos, many of them religious missionaries, are believed to be living in Venezuela.

The earthquakes struck in quick succession near the coastal area west of Caracas, close to Morón, causing deaths, injuries, infrastructure damage, and ongoing safety concerns, according to local authorities.

Go said the incident underscores the importance of agencies with clear mandates to protect overseas Filipinos and provide consular and emergency assistance.

"Sa ganitong sitwasyon, ang kailangan ng ating mga kababayan ay tamang impormasyon at tulong na madaling ma-access. Dapat hindi sila mahirapang magtanong, humingi ng assistance, o makipag-ugnayan sa gobyerno," he said.

The senator also reiterated the importance of the DMW, noting that he was among the authors and co-sponsors of Republic Act No. 11641, which created the department to consolidate government functions related to overseas employment and the welfare of migrant workers.

"Ang mga OFW natin ay nagsasakripisyo para sa pamilya nila at malaki ang naitutulong nila sa ating bayan. Kaya dapat lang na may ahensyang tututok sa kanilang pangangailangan at tutulong sa kanila sa oras ng problema," Go said.

He emphasized that the DMW and DFA have complementary roles, with the DMW handling migrant worker welfare and employment concerns and the DFA providing consular and diplomatic assistance.

Go also said families of Filipinos overseas should receive timely information and guidance when seeking updates from government agencies.

"Hindi lang ang OFW ang dapat alalayan. Pati ang pamilya nila rito sa Pilipinas, kailangan ding mabigyan ng tamang impormasyon kung saan lalapit at paano susunod sa proseso," he said.

He urged the concerned agencies to continue monitoring the situation in Venezuela, maintain communication with Filipino communities there, and provide assistance within their respective mandates as needed.

"Para sa akin, simple lang ito. Kapag may Pilipinong nangangailangan, saan mang parte ng mundo, dapat may gobyernong handang makinig, gumabay, at tumulong sa abot ng makakaya," Go said.