Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) who has families affected by the typhoon Ondoy can now talk with their family for free. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will lend free calls and texts to victims of Ondoy to update their loved ones abroad about their situation after the tragic nature call.

Through its 24/7 Operations center, OWWA serve a “Libreng Tawag communication bridge” for the families who has worried loved ones abroad. Most telecommunication networks site in most affected areas such as Marikina, Rizal, some parts of Metro Manila and Bulacan fell down due to the strong winds and heavy rains. At press time, most of the mentioned areas still don’t have telecommunication lines, water and electricity power.

Aside from OWWA, other organizations and groups have installed a free call booth in affected areas to ease the worries of OFWs and other relatives of the victims in other provinces.

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

At press time, National Disaster Coordinating Council reported that as of September 28, 4:00 pm 140 casualties were recovered while 32 remains missing. However, due to the unreported casualties in some parts of Luzon, the death toll may exceed up to more than 200.