Manila Economic and Cultural Office chairman and resident representative Silvestre Bello III reported that his agency conducted a swift monitoring and information gathering from local units and found that no Filipinos were adversely affected by the incident.

“We are thankful that we have not yet received reports of any of our kababayans being hurt or badly affected by the powerful earthquake that hit Taiwan this morning,” said Bello, a former labor secretary.

He said: “Our kababayans and OFWs are all accounted for and safe.”

There are an estimated 67,000 Filipinos based in Taiwan either as overseas Filipino Workers or immigrants with families living in the island.

“At the very least, a lot of our OFWs were very scared as the buildilngs they were in swayed and the ground was shaking,” said Bello.

Meanwhile, the Department of Migrant Workers said it continues to closely monitor the condition of Filipinos in Taiwan.

“Three Migrant Workers Offices (MWSs) in Taiwan have already activated the protocols with Filipino communities, leaders, relevant Taiwan government agencies, as well as employers and trade associations to ascertain the safety and status of Taiwan-based OFWs,” the DMV stated.

The department added: “The Taiwan MWOs are prepared to provide immediate assistance to affected OFWs as necessary.”