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The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has verified the tragic deaths of three Filipino workers in a devastating fire at their residence in al-Mangaf, Kuwait, early Wednesday morning, 12 June 2024.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac reported that the three overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) succumbed to smoke inhalation. They were among eleven OFWs employed by a Kuwaiti construction firm residing in the building engulfed by flames. Two other OFWs are hospitalized in critical condition, while the remaining six OFWs are safe and unharmed.

Secretary Cacdac has instructed the Migrant Workers Office in Kuwait (MWO-Kuwait) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to collaborate with the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait (PE-Kuwait), led by Ambassador Jose Cabrera, to facilitate the repatriation of the deceased workers' remains.

"We are actively supporting all affected OFWs and their families during this difficult time," stated Secretary Cacdac, emphasizing the government's commitment to providing necessary assistance as directed by the President.

The fire, reported by Kuwaiti authorities to have started at approximately 4:30 a.m. local time, claimed a total of 49 lives and left numerous others injured. The building served as accommodation for foreign workers employed by the Kuwaiti construction company.