'Ondoy' victims to get free calls to OFW kin

KIMBERLY JANE T. TAN, GMANews.TV

09/28/2009 | 04:21 PM

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The families of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who have been affected by tropical storm “Ondoy" will be given free texts and calls to their loved ones abroad to update them of their situation in the Philippines, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said.

THE WRATH OF 'ONDOY'

As of Monday noon, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) placed the death toll caused by tropical storm “Ondoy" at 100 and the number of people affected at nearly half a million pending reports from local government units.

It said 56 were killed in Region IV-A or the Calabarzon area; 36 in Region III or in Central Luzon; seven in the National Capital Region, and one in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

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Since Saturday, GMANews.TV has been receiving phone calls from OFWs inquiring about rescue efforts being undertaken to save their relatives.

But OWWA, through its 24/7 Operations Center, said that it will now serve as a “Libreng Tawag (Free Call) communication bridge" for those who wish to communicate with their husbands, parents, or relatives working abroad, via telephone calls or SMS.

The agency said these family members can send text messages, together with the destination numbers, to 0917TXTOWWA (09178986992). OWWA will then pass on the message to their loved ones abroad.

For those who wish to avail of the service, they may call up the Operations Center at:

Telephone numbers
+632.8336992 (+632.833OWWA)
+632.5516641
+632.8917601 - 24

SMS/TXT
+63917.898.6992 (+63917.TXT.OWWA)

Globe HOTLINE 2917
Press 3 for OWWA

E-mail
opcenter@owwa.gov.ph

Fax
+632.8917601
+632.5516651

On the other hand, OFWs who would like to get more information about their loved ones in the Philippines may call the following hotlines:

National Disaster Coordinating Committee
911-1406
911-1873
912-2665
911-5061
912-5296
912-5668

Help hotlines
734-2118
734-2120

Philippine Coast Guard
527-6136

Red Cross
143
527-0000

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
136
896-6000

Taguig emergency hotline
1623

Bureau of Fire Protection Region III (Central Luzon)
Hotline (045) 9634376

Meralco
16220

Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. emergency hotlines
for dumptrucks going to flooded areas for rescue of stranded people:
0917 4226800
0917 2414864
0927 6751981

GMANews.TV has also opened a Facebook discussion board for updates regarding the storm. People can post their concerns or requests for help, so concerned citizens will know how to respond. - GMANews.TV