MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it is ready to assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan who may have been affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Gaemi (formerly Carina).
In a news release Thursday evening, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the department is closely monitoring the situation of OFWs in the island, together with the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).
“So far, there are no reported casualties or injuries from among Taiwan OFWs. However, we continue to actively monitor the situation, especially in severely affected areas,” Cacdac said.
Gaemi made landfall in Taiwan in the early hours of Thursday, bringing heavy rains and winds of up to 205 kph.
The typhoon on Wednesday enhanced the southwest monsoon, which dumped heavy rains and caused massive floods in the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Cacdac advised OFWs to remain indoors, in their residences or dormitories, and follow the instructions of Taiwanese authorities.
He said together with the MECO and its chair, Silvestre Bello III, a Taiwan Help Desk was established to monitor the situation of OFWs in Taiwan, receive reports and requests for assistance, and coordinate relief efforts for those affected.
He added that the three Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) in Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung are checking on the conditions of OFWs.
“We have 24-hour hotlines in the Philippines and in Taiwan but we are being proactive in our monitoring. Our MWOs are coordinating with the Filipino Community and dorm leaders, and are ready to provide immediate relief and assistance,” Cacdac said.
The OFWs and their family members in Taiwan may call the following numbers to report their conditions, request assistance, or provide information on other OFWs who may need help:
For OFWs and family members in Taiwan:
Taipei: +886 932-218-057
Kaohsiung: +886 988-976-596
Taichung: +886-537-732
For family members of Taiwan OFWs in the Philippines:
(02) 8522-3663; 8293-9155; 8722-1144; 8722-1155
Mobile number: +63 919-067-3975
Whatsapp/Viber: +63 920-517-1059; +63 927-147-8186; +63 908-326-8344
E-mail: orcc@dmw.gov.ph
DMW data shows 4,280 OFWs are residing in northern Taiwan, with 2,098 in Yilan County, 821 in Keelung City, and 1,361 in Hualien.
The department is also keeping close tabs on 1,818 Filipino agricultural workers in Nantou in central Taiwan.
Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) reported that five people died while 531 were injured due to the typhoon.
Gaemi also reportedly caused six maritime incidents around Taiwan. (PNA)
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