A screenshot of a conversation between a call center employee and their team leader (TL) has gone viral on Threads, showing how the worker was marked AWOL (absent without official leave) after leaving work during the September 30 Cebu earthquake.
In the exchange, the TL wrote:
“I just want to bring to your attention that based on our records, you were marked as AWOL on September 30. As part of the process, you’re required to submit a written explanation or NTE. Thank you.”
The employee replied that they chose to go home after the quake:
“I went home after the earthquake. If that counts as AWOL, then maybe the real fault line here isn’t underground. It’s in the company’s priorities. Tsaka okay na ‘yang AWOL kesa RIP.”
The TL insisted that the building was “cleared as safe” and emphasized that professionalism and commitment were expected:
“Safety is important, yes, but we also expect professionalism and commitment during challenging situations. At the end of the day, it was your choice to leave, and choices come with consequences.”
Netizens push back: “Safety first”
The exchange quickly drew heated reactions from netizens, many citing labor laws that protect employees during natural disasters.
One commenter pointed to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Advisory No. 17-22 and the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Act (RA 11058), stressing that absences due to natural calamities qualify as force majeure and cannot be penalized.
“Send this to TL, ask to reverse the AWOL filing before the next cutoff, then CC your HR. Baka siya pa ipa-NTE kasi sasabit sila diyan,” wrote one user.
Another added:
“‘Safety is important, yes, but…’ Safety is NOT important then. Crazy. Any lawyer here who can confirm that OP can sue the company?”
Others highlighted how aftershocks remain unpredictable:
“The building was cleared safe? As if earthquakes and aftershocks are 100% predictable???”
Another advised the worker to escalate the matter:
“Save all convos, documentation. Protected ka ng law. If mag-NTE sila let them. Explain mo lahat and if may sanction ka, push back pa din. Escalate mo lang. Pag di tumigil, DOLE.”
Wider labor complaints after the Cebu quake
This viral incident comes amid broader grievances raised by BPO workers in Cebu.
The BPO Industry Employees’ Network (BIEN)-Cebu said it has received hundreds of complaints from call center agents who felt unsafe or mistreated after the earthquake. Some reported being forced to return to visibly damaged offices in Cebu IT Park despite risks of aftershocks, with blocked emergency exits and threats of disciplinary action.
Several workers who went home during or after the tremors said they were marked absent, had pay deductions, or lost attendance incentives.
On October 2, BIEN-Cebu formally filed a case before DOLE Region VII, asking for an investigation into at least ten BPO companies. DOLE has since issued reminders to all employers to strictly follow labor rules and occupational safety standards after the disaster.
Public sentiment: “Workers are not disposable”
Many netizens underscored that companies should prioritize lives over quotas.
“Always remember: if you died, your company will just replace you with another person. You did the right thing to prioritize safety,” one commenter said.
Another bluntly called out the industry:
“Toxic talaga BPO, but this should be an easy win with DOLE.”
As Cebu continues recovery efforts from the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that left 72 dead and nearly 20,000 displaced, the conversation around workplace safety versus corporate demands is gaining momentum — with growing calls for accountability in the BPO sector.
