PHILIPPINES: The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has advised overseas Filipino workers and their families that OWWA Hotline 1348 is temporarily unable to receive calls due to a technical issue.
People who need urgent help should use OWWA’s other communication channels or contact the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office or Overseas Post.
Hotline Restoration Date Not Yet Announced
OWWA has not provided a date for when Hotline 1348 will return to normal service.
The agency apologized for the inconvenience and asked the public to monitor its official Facebook page for the next announcement.
This advisory affects OFWs, their families, and other OWWA clients who normally use the hotline for welfare concerns, membership questions, benefits, repatriation assistance, and other services.
New WhatsApp Numbers Replace Expired Lines
OWWA also announced changes to some of its WhatsApp numbers following the expiration of their SIM cards.
Based on the latest advisory card, the WhatsApp numbers +63 956 319 7589 and +63 956 319 7586 have been removed.
Clients should now save and use these active WhatsApp contact numbers:
+63 968 694 0706
+63 927 824 5974
+63 927 824 5973
The last two numbers are marked as new in the public advisory.
OFWs should update their saved contacts to avoid sending personal information or assistance requests to numbers that are no longer used by OWWA.
Viber and Email Channels Remain Available
Those who cannot reach OWWA through WhatsApp may use its Viber accounts:
+63 915 079 5005
+63 969 169 7068
+63 966 473 9543
Queries and requests for assistance may also be sent by email to:
owwacares@owwa.gov.ph
tulong@owwa.gov.ph
For cases that need location-specific support, workers may contact the nearest OWWA office in the Philippines or the appropriate Overseas Post in their country of employment.
