DFA acts to locate 1,309 Filipinos in Japan quake zone

MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos in quake-ravaged areas of Japan were advised to proceed to the nearest fire station or city hall to receive instructions and assistance, while those in coastal areas were urged to go to higher ground in the event of aftershocks that might trigger another tsunami.

The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo strongly advised the Filipino community in Japan to take the precautionary measures following an 8.9 magnitude quake and resulting tsunamis that devastated northeastern Japan on Friday.

In a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs in the small hours of Saturday, the embassy also indicated it has request Filipino community organizations in Japan to provide information on possible Filipino casualties or to relay requests for assistance.

The embassy reiterated the urgent request of the Japanese government for people in coastal and low-lying areas to evacuate to higher ground as a precaution against the threat of tsunamis after the Japanese meteorological experts predicted more aftershocks.

The DFA said there were some 1,309 Filipinos in Miyagi prefecture, the location of the city of Sendai, which bore the brunt of the quake and tsunami. Altogether, there are 305,972 Filipinos in Japan.

Emergency landline numbers for members of the Filipino community in Japan are +81-3-5562-1570, +81-3-5562-1577, and +81-3-5562-1590. Embassy officials can also be e-mailed for inquiries at emergency@philembassy.net.

“As soon as telephone service resumes operations,” members of the Filipino community may also contact emergency numbers +81-3-5562-1573 and +81-3-5562-1574, the DFA said.

The embassy said landline and mobile phone networks remained down in their area, although internet services are available.

In Manila, the DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (DFA-OUMWA) also set up hotline numbers and an e-mail address for those who would like to inquire about their Filipino relatives in Japan.

The hotline numbers are 834-4646 and 834-4580. Requests for information may also be sent through the e-mail address dfaoumwa.cmc@gmail.com. (report from DJ Yap, Philippine Daily Inquirer)