On the Collapse of a Bridge in Taiwan

02 October 2019 - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) received a report today from the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) about the collapse of the Nangfang-ao Bridge in Yilan County, Taiwan on 1 October 2019. MECO Labor Attaché and Director of Labor Affairs Atty. Cesar L. Chavez, Jr. reported that Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and MECO Assistance-To-Nationals officers went to the area yesterday and found three fishing boats crushed under the collapsed bridge. At least 10 were reportedly injured, which include five Filipino fishermen. The injured Filipino fishermen were already treated for minor injuries and were given financial assistance by the POLO and some non-government organizations. All hospital expenses incurred were shouldered by their employers/brokers.

As of this morning, two dead bodies were recovered and MECO confirmed that the fatalities are Filipinos. Four fishermen, one Filipino and three Indonesians, remain missing.

Atty. Chavez said that MECO will be providing all the needed assistance in the shipment of the remains of the two Filipino fatalities and will continue to coordinate with Taiwanese authorities to search for the missing Filipino. MECO stands ready to provide further assistance when needed. END