THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said on Wednesday it is closely monitoring the condition of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) following the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto in southern Japan Tuesday afternoon.
In an advisory, the agency said the quake occurred at 4:27 p.m. on July 28, prompting the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Osaka to coordinate with the concerned Philippine government agencies for the safety of Filipinos in the affected areas.
No injuries or casualties involving Filipinos had been reported by the DMW as of press time.
The MWO and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Osaka are working with the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka and members of the Filipino community to verify the safety and welfare of OFWs in Kumamoto and nearby areas.
The DMW urged Filipinos in Kyushu and surrounding prefectures to remain vigilant, prepare for possible aftershocks and monitor official advisories from Japanese authorities, including the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Filipinos requiring assistance may contact the Migrant Workers Office or the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka through their designated hotlines and email.
The DMW also advised affected workers and their families to use the agency’s 1348 hotline for concerns and emergency assistance.
The department said it would continue to monitor developments and issue additional advisories as verified information becomes available.
