Consul Generals working to repatriate remains of fire victims
發佈日期: 2025-12-11 23:46
TVB News
The deadly fire in Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po has claimed the lives of ten foreign domestic workers.
The Consulate General of Indonesia says it is working to expedite the return of the remains of nine workers to Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the Consulate General of the Philippines expects the body of the deceased Filipino worker to be repatriated within a week.
It has been more than two weeks since the tragic blaze in Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, where 10 foreign domestic workers were killed.
The Consulate Generals of the Philippines and Indonesia are working with the Hong Kong government to send bodies back to their home countries.
Speaking with TVB News, Consul General of the Philippines Romulo Victor M. Israel said 43 Filipinos were at Wang Fuk Court when the fire broke out.
One was killed, and she is survived by a 10-year-old son and an elderly mother.
The deceased was the family's breadwinner.
Consul General of the Philippines Romulo Victor M. Israel said, "We were able to follow it up beginning with the order, a burial order from the Department of Health. And from there, we will secure the removal order from the Immigration. And then, of course, we need documents like the certificate of death and from the Consulate General, we also have to issue a mortuary certificate, and all the other documents needed. Of course, the booking with the airline. So all these things will be on top of our list. So hopefully, we can send the body back to the Philippines within a week."
When asked if the incident would affect Filipinos' confidence in working in the city, Romulo said Hong Kong is a "safe haven" with solid legal protection for domestic workers.
He believes many Filipinos will keep looking for opportunities in Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, nine Indonesian domestic workers lost their lives in the fire.
Islam is the main religion in Indonesia, and it emphasises the timely burial of the deceased.
Acting Consul General of Indonesia FITHONATUL MAR'ATI said, "That is in some beliefs in Indonesia, our traditional way to bury the dead bodies as soon as possible. But we can't really... take everything just like how we wish it was supposed to be in this kind of situation. We try to explain the situation to the families and by far I believe that they can understand the situation. They still have some hopes, that's for sure. But we are working very hard every day trying to expedite the process."
Both consul generals praised the foreign domestic workers for demostrating remarkable bravery during the massive blaze.
They will continue to provide support, including document replacement and psychological counselling.
