The Philippines’ top diplomat in the city has promised that his country and Hong Kong will repatriate the remains of the sole Filipino who died in the Tai Po fire and pay for the arrangements, amid growing anger in the community about Manila’s slow response in helping the 93 affected Pinoy helpers and their families.
Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel Jnr told the Post on Tuesday morning that both the Philippine and Hong Kong governments would help the family whose domestic helper died in the deadly fire, despite it being the employer’s contractual responsibility.
He made the comments after a meeting with various government departments, including police, labour, home affairs, health and the immigration authorities. A delegation from Indonesia also attended the meeting.
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“The employer has a contractual responsibility under the contract. But we are understanding of their situation, as the employer might not be able to afford [the air fare]. Their five-year-old daughter died,” Israel said, when asked if the administration under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr would pay for the repatriation of the body.
“That’s why they [the Hong Kong government] are offering this grant. They said we [the consulate] just need to file an application with the Labour Department [even though] the responsibility lies with the employer.
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Maryan Pascual Esteban was among ten helpers who died in the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po that started on November 26. The blaze killed at least 159 people and displaced 5,000.