The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that the employment contracts of two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who went missing and were later found in Hong Kong have been terminated by their employer.

In an update to the media, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said that Imee Pabuaya and Aleli Tibay were dismissed from their jobs after failing to report to work for several days.

This came even after the two were found safe, with authorities saying they had gotten lost while hiking along a trail area in Hong Kong.

According to Cacdac, they will still talk to the employers of both OFWs if their decision is already final before arranging their repatriation.

The two OFWs are in good physical condition and have already undergone medical check-ups, according to the DMW.

Their employer first reported them missing on October 4, after failing to contact them. It was later learned that Pabuaya and Tibay are reportedly in a relationship, based on the statement of Pabuaya’s family.

Cacdac assured that the DMW is closely coordinating with the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong to assist the two workers, including their possible repatriation and access to post-employment support.