MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government should not downplay the effects that the Manila hostage crisis may have on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong.

“Even one single termination should be a concern of the Philippine government for it means the livelihood of a family and it shall show if the government is really sincere in its promise of protection and services to overseas Filipino workers,” said Cynthia Abdon-Tellez, director of the Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW).

According to Tellez, their group received calls from OFWs about the termination of their contracts or changes in how they are being treated by their employers who were angry over the hostage drama.

Abdon-Tellez said there were also reports of threats and verbal abuse experienced by OFWs in Hong Kong.

“These should be taken seriously and should prod the Aquino government to speed up the investigation of the tragedy and impose appropriate actions against those responsible for the botched operation. Another day that passes without justice given to the victims is one more day of anxiety for Filipino migrants who are on tenterhooks in the face of the Hong Kong public’s anger over Philippine authorities,” she said.

The group also said former Sen. Ernesto Herrera’s statement that reports of termination were only blown out of proportion was a dangerous one especially coming from a supposed organization of workers.

“For a supposed labor leader, such statement could be construed as uncaring for even the few workers who lost their jobs or experienced harassment. We strongly advise the former senator and his group the TUCP to look into the reality of the Filipino domestic workers before issuing false assurances that appear to say that it is alright for OFWs to receive such treatment because their job security is not really threatened,” Abdon-Tellez said.

She urged the Philippine government to help in aiding the current situation of the migrants affected by the tragedy.

“Their complacency already contributed to the tragedy. They should not repeat the same mistake and just wait until the problems pile up,” she urged.

The MFMW is an NGO that have assisted migrant workers in Hong Kong since its establishment in 1981.