The Filipino victims of the May 13 Al Barsha fire in Dubai have received financial assistance from the Philippine government, according to Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.
In a statement shared via Facebook, Cacdac said he personally met the victims of the tragic fire, which broke out at a restaurant in a residential building in Al Barsha 1. “Dito po sa Dubai, nakadaop-palad ko po ang mga naging biktima ng May 13 Al Barsha fire. Binigyan po namin sila ng financial assistance,” he wrote.
The assistance comes after a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to also extend help to the families of the victims in the Philippines. “Ipinag-utos po ng mahal na Pangulo na bigyan din ng tulong ang kani-kanilang mga pamilya sa Pilipinas,” Cacdac added.
The fire, which was caused by a gas leak from the Pearl View restaurant, left several injured, including Annalyn, a Filipina resident who suffered burns on 65% of her body and remains in critical condition. Her husband was also injured. Authorities confirmed that the fire was swiftly contained by Dubai Civil Defence, but not before it caused extensive damage.
The DMW, in coordination with local officials and partner agencies, continues to monitor the condition of the affected OFWs and their families. An investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
