Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Wednesday said that authorities are now pursuing leads in the disappearance of two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong on October 4.

In an ambush interview in Pasig City, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed that the department has provided information to the Hong Kong Police, according to the discussions between the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the families of the missing workers.

RH Edniel Parrosa reported that the DMW earlier expressed concern over the situation of 24-year-old Imee Pabuaya and 33-year-old Aleli Tibay, both employed as domestic workers.

The agency also confirmed that prior to being reported missing, Pabuaya had managed to send money to her family in the Philippines. Her employer later informed authorities that she could no longer be found.

Cacdac noted that both Pabuaya and Tibay had no prior records of problems or complaints while working abroad. However, he declined to elaborate on the ongoing investigation, describing the lead as “sensitive” for the police to disclose at this time.

“Nakausap na ang pamilya, we have endorsed the proper information na with the authorities but let me just say na mayroong mga certain leads sa interms sa huli nilang pakikipag-usap sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” Cacdac told reporters.

“Nakipag-usap sila sa kanilang kani-kanilang mga pamilya, they got in touch with their families in some point before their disappearance,” he added.

Family members of the missing workers shared that Pabuaya had only been in Hong Kong for a few months, while Tibay had been working there for several years.

Irene, Pabuaya’s sister, also confirmed to reporters that the two missing OFWs were in a relationship.