Çhef Boy Mangyan released after ‘interview’ with Immigration officers

 

ChefBoy posted this on his Facebook page shortly before being taken in for questioning

A Filipino domestic worker in Hong Kong famous for his blogs on his “rescue” work for his fellow migrants who are fired on the sport by their employers, was released late Sunday night after being detained by officers of the Immigration Department.

Julian B. Baculo, who is more popularly known as Chef Boy Mangyan to his 478,000 followers on Facebook, was accosted by Immigration officers at about noon, after he posted a blog and posed for pictures with followers outside the office of a travel agency in World-Wide Plaza in Central.

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He was then led away, along with the manager of the travel agency which Chef Boy had earlier endorsed in one of his blogs. The scene was witnessed by dozens of people in the mall known for being a favorite hangout of Filipinos in Hong Kong.

Just before midnight, the two were reportedly released after posting a police bail, which indicates that an investigation is continuing.

The incident happened amid Immigration’s stepped-up campaign against illegal work in Hong Kong. For foreign domestic workers, taking on any job outside of the employer’s house, whether paid or unpaid, can be classified as illegal work.

'Kuys" asked ChefBoy's followers to pray for him

One of his friends who was with him at the time said in an emotional post on Facebook that Chef Boy was taken to the Immigration headquarters in Tseung Kwan O, but denied reports that he was led away in handcuffs.

The friend who uses the handle “Kuys Thaw Fnd” said he was not allowed to accompany Chef Boy to the Immigration office, but before they parted ways, the Filipino driver and blogger reportedly told him not to get angry at whoever reported him to the authorities.

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“Huwag kang magalit sa mga nag re report and I’ll see you soon. Dalawin mo ako,” Chef Boy reportedly said, half in jest. (Do not get mad at those who report on me and I’ll see you soon. Pay me a visit).

Kuys then added, “We are trying our best na tulungan sya, Pakiusap ko din sa mga supporters nya,  pinaparating nya na maging matatag tayo. Pray lang tayo.” (We are trying our best to help him. I also want to ask his supporters – he wants this relayed to you – be strong. Let’s all pray together).

ChefBoy is often mobbed by his supporters on Sundays

Many of ChefBoy’s followers expressed shock as news of his detention spread, and said they were saddened by the report.

“Nakaka sad naman po. Kung sino pa yung mabait at nakakatulong sa kapwa OFW, lalo na sa mga nate-terminate sa kanya pa nangyari ng ganito. Grabe talaga mga taong may inggit gagawin talaga lahat mahila lang nila pababa si Idol ChefBoy Mangyan.”(It is sad that this happened to someone who is kind and has been helping his fellow OFWs, particularly those who get terminated. People who are driven by envy will do anything to pull down Idol ChefBoy Mangyan), said one in a comment that has been replicated by others many times over.

Celebrity host Korina Sanchez recently interviewed ChefBoy during a visit to HK

ChefBoy who started out blogging about food and cooking, said in a recent interview that he decided to switch to writing about the concerns of his fellow Filipino migrants about a year ago, after realizing that their problems are so huge that he needs to help, as the government cannot possibly respond to all of them.

From looking at blogging as a side hustle, he said he came to regard it as a way to reaching out to those who are in need, particularly those who are unceremoniously thrown out of their employers’ houses.

Basahin ang detalye!

ChefBoy’s popularity grew after that shift. It didn’t hurt that he is quite a looker, and is generally regarded as humble, kind, and always willing to lend a hand to his fellow migrants who are in need.

But this generosity of spirit might have also made him to unwittingly cross the fine line between blogging about products or services that he genuinely likes, and doing work that is prohibited under his conditions of stay.

 

 

Mosquito-borne diseases not so common in HK but public advised to be wary

 

The incidence of mosquito-borne diseases dengue fever (DF) and chikungunya fever (CF) has remained low despite the hot summer temperature and occasional rains that foster mosquito breeding, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has reported.

But CHP reminded members of the public to remain vigilant by taking appropriate measures to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito breeding, both in Hong Kong and when travelling to areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases.

“Mosquito-borne diseases such as DF and CF are endemic in various countries worldwide. The risk of importation persists,” it added.

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During the week from August 7 to August 13, the CHP recorded one imported DF case. The patient had travelled to Malaysia during the incubation period.      

Hong Kong has recorded 28 DF cases so far this year, comprising 26 imported cases and two local cases. A total of 59 DF cases were recorded last year (2025), all of which were imported cases. In 2024, 161 DF cases were recorded, comprising 156 imported cases and five local cases, the CHP reported.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2024, the WHO recorded over 14 million DF cases, which was a record number.

In 2025, over five million cases and over 4,000 DF-related deaths were reported in over 90 countries/territories. From January to June 2026, around 1.6 million cases and over 700 DF-related deaths have been reported in 89 countries/territories.

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 In the case of chikungunya fever, no new cases had been recorded from August 7 to 13.

CHP said Hong Kong has recorded two confirmed CF cases so far this year, both of which were imported cases. Hong Kong recorded a total of 82 confirmed CF cases last year. Among them, 11 were local cases and the rest were imported cases.

According to the WHO, a total of 502 264 CF cases and 186 CF-related deaths were reported in 41 countries/territories last year. Cases were reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe. According to the Guangdong Provincial Disease Control and Prevention Administration, in 2026, as of June 30, Guangdong Province has recorded 76 local cases.

Some of the preventive measures to be taken by the public include:

• Maintain good environmental hygiene to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito breeding
• Check the situation at their destinations before travelling abroad, especially when travelling to Southeast Asian countries. Additionally, whether travelling or not, they should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites/
• Inspect their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and lunch boxes. Also, keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water.
• Call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page, Instagram Account and YouTube Channel, and also the Mosquito Prevention and Control dedicated page of the FEHD.

Pinay denies $491,000 theft in Shatin

 

Filipina accused of stealing jewelry and watches (Photo for illustration only)

A trial has been set to hear a theft charge against a Filipina accused of stealing jewelry and watches valued at a total of $491,000.

Marilou Tapac, 45 years old and a domestic helper, is accused at Shatin Court of theft contrary to section 9 of the Theft Ordinance. She pleaded not guilty on Aug. 12 (Wednesday).

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Acting Principal Magistrate Cheang Kei-hong set a pre-trial review on Oct. 7 to determine if both prosecution and defense are ready with their witnesses and evidence for a two-day trial scheduled for October 12 and 13.

In the meantime, Tapac is out on cash bail of $30,000 plus two sureties of $30,000 each, along with conditions such as not leaving Hong Kong while the case is pending, reporting to a police station regularly and not returning to where the offense was allegedly committed.

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A police charge sheet accuses Tapac of stealing one diamond bracelet valued at $15,000, six gold pendants valued at $9,000, three pairs of dragon and phoenix bangles valued at $60,000, two pairs of floral bangles in gold, valued at $40,000, one diamond necklace valued at $30,000, one diamond bracelet valued at $15,000, four gold necklaces valued at $30,000, six gold bracelets valued at $20,000, four pairs of earrings valued at $10,000, 14 gold pendants valued at $21,000, two diamond rings valued at $50,000, two crystal decorations valued at $1.000-HKD, ten gold rings valued at $20,000, five jade rings valued at $20,000 and two Rolex watches, valued at $150,000.

Basahin ang detalye!

She allegedly stole the valuables owned by female Yip King Chi, between October 5, 2025 and January 22, 2026 at a flat in Jubilee Garden, 2-18 Lok King Street, Shatin, New Territories.

HK$3.5 billion lost to scams in six months

 

Anti-fraud information bulletin from Privacy Commission

Hong Kong Police have said in a news conference Friday that a total of HK$3.5 billion was lost to scams in the first half of the year, involving 20,613 cases.

Only around a tenth of the cases involved investment scams, but the total losses from these amounted to nearly half of the total, or HK$1.66 billion.

Possibly the biggest loser was a 67-year-old foreign businessman who was tricked into buying HK$84.79 million worth of cryptocurrency, then transferring all these into the digital wallet of a fraudster who posed as an investment expert on Facebook.

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After befriending the businessman in June 2025, the scammer started a romantic relationship and over the next seven months, succeeded in syphoning off all the cryptocurrency that the victim was enticed to buy.

In classic fashion, the businessman realized he had been scammed only after failing to withdraw his supposed investment returns.

The same thing happened to a 64-year-old local businesswoman who was conned into purchasing cryptocurrency amounting to HK$10 million by a scammer who she met online in May, after posting a property rental advertisement.

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The scammer who posed as an interested buyer of the property befriended the victim, and eventually convinced her to invest in cryptocurrency, and offered to help set up her account.

It was during the set-up process that the scammer managed to steal the victim’s wallet credentials and password, and siphon all the money from the account.

Fun Coffee investment a Ponzi scheme, say police

Another investment scam that unravelled in the past several months was the Fun Coffee case, in which more than 270 people had reported losing a total of more than HK$113 million.

The victims aged 32 to 83, each lost between HK$3,000 and HK$9.63 million in the alleged Ponzi scheme which was run through an app that disappeared online in mid-July.

Basahin ang detalye!

Hong Kong Police said eight people have been arrested in connection with the case, including two who live in Macau.

Officers said they have been working with international law enforcement agencies to tackle companies suspected of engaging in fraudulent activities, in particular those claiming to be based overseas.

Illegal recruiter for Singapore job jailed 14 years & fined P1M

 

The accused charged victim Php737,357 for the fake job

A Filipino man who charged a job applicant more than Php700,000 for a non-existent job as nursing aide in Singapore has been sentenced to between 14 and 16 years in prison by a Regional Trial Court judge in Caloocan City.

Roderick R. Paculdar was also fined Php1 million and ordered to pay back the victim Php737,357 with 6 % interest every year.

According to the findings of the court, the complainant paid the money to Paculdar from March to April 2024 after he promised to work on her deployment to Singapore.

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The victim sought help from the Department of Migrant Workers when Paculdar failed to make good on his promise to secure the job for her.

Upon checking, the Migrant Workers Bureau of the DMW found that the accused was not connected to a licensed recruitment agency, nor was he licensed on his own to recruit or deploy Filipinos for work abroad.

When Paculdar again asked for an additional Php6,500 from the victim, the DMW took her to the Caloocan City Police, which set up an entrapment operation on Apr 18, 2024 outside a Jollibee outlet at the SM City mall in the city.

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Police operatives recovered the marked money from Paculdar after the sting operation was revealed.

The court found Paculdar guilty of illegal recruitment under the Labor Code and Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by RA No 10022.

In a statement, the DMW again reminded overseas job applicants to ensure that the recruiter or recruitment agency they are dealing with is licensed before making any payment. In case of any suspicious job offers, the DMW must immediately be informed.

 

Pinay gets 11 months after pleading guilty to 2 Immigration charges

 

Shatin court

A Filipina has begun serving her combined sentence of 11 months handed down today, Friday, at Shatin Court after admitting guilt for two Immigration offenses, but needs to wait until September for the resumption of her third case.

The sentence on Eden Magnanao, aged 49, consisted of eight months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to defraud and 11 months for taking employment while remaining in Hong Kong in breach of the limit of stay.

Acting Principal Magistrate Cheang Kei-hong ordered that the two sentences run concurrently.

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Magnanao pleaded guilty to the first charge, conspiracy to defraud contrary to Common Law and punishable under section 159C(6) of the Crimes Ordinance.

The Immigration Department charged her with conspiring with a certain Mr. James to “dishonestly and falsely represent” that she was applying between December 2025 and January 22, 2026 for employment with Tse Kam Wai Graeme as a domestic helper.

The conspiracy resulted in an employment visa being issued by Immigration officers to Magnanao, “contrary to their public duty, … under circumstances in which they would not otherwise have granted such permission,” the charge sheet issued by the Immigration .Department stated.

Basahin ang detalye!

Magnanao also pleaded guilty to taking employment while remaining in Hong Kong in breach of the limit of her stay, contrary to sections 38AA(1) (c) and 38AA (2) of the Immigration Ordinance.

She admitted that between March 2026 and May 27, 2026 in Hong Kong, she took employment as an odd job worker while being a person who had remained in Hong Kong in breach of the limit of stay. The Immigration Ordinance prohibits such employment, whether paid or unpaid.

The third charge, which Magistrate Cheang adjourned to September 11 for mention the third case, is breach of condition of stay for overstaying for six months contrary to section 41 of the Immigration Ordinance, 

Magnanao is accused of overstaying from December 2025 or two weeks after termination of contract, to her arrest on May 27, 2026.

DH gets bitter lesson from stealing 100 yuan

 

 Kwun Tong Court

A domestic helper today found out that stealing 100 yuan from her employer would cost her far more in terms of money, time, anxiety and a criminal record that would make it hard for her to find a new employer after being terminatedd.

D. Duban, 45. years old, pleaded guilty today at Kwun Tong Court  to stealing 100 yuan from her employer at their residence at a flat in Malibu, 1 Lohas Park Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories last June 16.

Acting Principal Magistrate Li Chi-ho sentenced her to a fine of $1,500 plus seven days’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.

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Tseung Kwan O Police charged her with theft, contrary to section 9 of the Theft Ordinance.

As a result, she lost her job, and was listed as having “no fixed place in Hong Kong” for address.

Meanwhile, at the West Kowloon Court, a Filipino student was fined $500 after he pleaded guilty to possession of Part I poison, contrary to sections 23(1),33(1) and 34 of the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance.

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J. Esteban was arrested last February 3 inside the Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College, Tai O Road, Lantau Island, New Territories for possession of a device containing a poison included in Part I of the Poisons List, namely, 5.77 grams of a liquid containing nicotine.

Principal Magistrate Don So set the fine to be equivalent to Esteban's cash bail.

Filipino nurses who want to work in Canada, take note

 

MWO Vancouver will conduct the information session

Filipino nurses who are interested to know the rules, requirements and procedures for getting admitted as a registered nurse in British Columbia, Canada may attend an online information session this Friday, August 14, 4:00-6:30pm.

The briefing will be conducted by the Migrant Workers Office in Vancouver, Canada, and is open to all Filipino nurses, wherever they may be.

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MWO Hong Kong shared a poster on the session on its Facebook page, saying it could help Filipinos in Hong Kong gain additional knowledge.

The briefing is also aimed at helping Filipino migrant workers avoid taking irregular migration pathways and protect them from illegal recruiters.

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There are only a limited slots available, so everyone is encouraged to register promptly through this link: (𝑏𝑖𝑡.𝑙𝑦/3𝑇𝐻49𝑁𝑀) 𝑜 scan the 𝑄𝑅 𝑐𝑜𝑑𝑒 in the accompanying poster.

MWO HK also reiterated a warning for all Filipino jobseekers to ensure they go through the legal and authorized process approved by the Department of Migrant Workers if they want to work abroad. 

MWO checks on 61-year-old Filipina stabbed by amok in Pokfulam

 

MWO staff with the stabbing victim whose face is blurred

Staff from the Migrant Workers Office Hong Kong have visited at the hospital the 61-year-old Filipina domestic worker who was stabbed in the back and side by an apparently mentally ill man in Pokfulam last Monday.

A statement issued by MWO on Tuesday said the Filipina who was confined at the Queen Mary Hospital was in good condition. 

Labor Attache Cesar Chavez, Jr. told The SUN earlier she was  expected to be discharged after only one day.

“Mabuti na lang at hindi malalim ang mga saksak sa kanya sa likod,” said a senior MWO officer who helped check on the victim’s condition. (It was a good thing the stab wounds on her back were not deep).

The MWO statement said the worker will be supported and helped throughout while her case is being investigated.

A police report on the incident said the Filipina who resides in the Baguio Villa estate where the 22-year-old assailant also lives, was stabbed at 550 Victoria Road opposite the housing block.

Still shot from a video recording of the stabbing incident

Videos of her being accosted, chased, then stabbed with a knife by the Southeast Asian-looking man went viral. Two men who came to her rescue prevented her from getting seriously hurt.

Another video showed her standing still with blood seeping through her shirt while a police officer convinced her to get onto a waiting ambulance.

A 61-year-old male security guard was also injured at the elbow while parrying thrusts by the suspect.

Officers arrived at the scene at about 9:24pm after receiving numerous calls for help from bystanders. Their preliminary investigation showed the attacks on the victims were random. The knife used on the Filipina was a fruit knife measuring 28 cm.

When the officers checked the flat of the suspect, they found a cat with a head injury. The cat was taken to a relevant institution for care and check-up.

No mention was made in the report of any case being filed against the attacker, reinforcing stories that he had a history of mental problems.

 

 

 

 

2 Pinays acquitted of illegal work charges

 

Shatin Magistrates Court

Two Filipinas charged by the Immigration Department with breaching their condition of stay after they were arrested for illegal work in a Tai Po restaurant, were acquitted on the first day of their trial on Tuesday at Shatin Court.

Deputy Magistrate Chan Yip-hei pointed to errors by Immigration officers in arresting Katherine Mae Barroa, 33 years old, and Remedios Banac, aged 52, as reasons for the acquittal in the middle of the trial.

Three Immigration officers testified for the prosecution, but the defense lawyer pointed out that the case document was completed only eight months after the arrests, that the two defendants were not properly advised of their rights, and no Tagalog interpreter was present during the arrests.

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With Magistrate Chan’s decision, the second day of hearing was cancelled.

Both Barroa and Banac were charged with breach of condition of stay, contrary to section 41 of the Immigration Ordinance, and by virtue of Regulation 2 of the Immigration Regulations, after they were arrested on Nov. 9, 2025.

Barroa was charged with performing “odd job duties at No.76 Lo Tsz Tin Village, Ting Kok, Tai Po, other than approved by the Director of Immigration,” while holding a domestic helper’s visa to work for Leung Ka Ling at his address, the charge sheet issued by the Immigration Department said.

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The visa was granted to her by an immigration assistant on March 18, 2024.

Banac was accused of working at the same Tai Po restaurant, contravening her condition of stay imposed by an immigration assistant on January 25, 2025, which permitted her to remain in Hong Kong for employment as a domestic helper for Ronald Lam Siu Por at his specified address.

Migrants groups slam employers’call for wage freeze

 

AMCB says the minimum wage of $5,100 for FDWs is already 'very low' (File)

Migrant domestic workers’organizations have lashed out at a proposal by a coalition of employers’ groups to freeze their statutory minimum wage, calling it a “backward demand” that targets the most vulnerable and vital labor sector in Hong Kong.

The Asian Coordinating Migrants Body (AMCB), an umbrella organization of foreign domestic worker organizations from various ethnic groups, said they realize that times are hard because of the economic global crisis, but migrants should not be used as “economic scapegoats for systemic local inflation and lack of public welfare.”

The International Domestic Service Industry Development Federation and the Quadripartite Alliance for Harmonious Employment Practices (QAHEP) called for a wage freeze earlier this week, claiming that mandated pay hikes could cause mass contract terminations.

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The coalition cited a July survey showing 97% of employers are opposed to wage increases for FDWs, saying it would strain their finances. The group also said FDW pay has risen7.8 percent over three years while the consumer price index rose only 5.4 percent.

Instead of a statutory increase in the MAW, the employers called for a mechanism that will reward exceptional domestic workers and retain the current minimum pay of HK$5,100 per month for all others.

But AMCB says the current MAW is already “incredibly low” as it translates to just HK$10 an hour, given that MDWs work 16 hours on average.

Basahin ang detalye!

Freezing their wages would push migrant workers deeper into financial hardship as it would effectively amount to a pay cut, given the rising cost of basic commodities.

They also accused the employers’groups of using faulty logic in comparing their wages to civil servant salaries which are far above the minimum wage, and sowing fear among migrants by warning of mass terminations.

Another group, the Hong Kong Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Union (FADWU), also hit out at the call for a wage freeze, saying recent salary increases have failed to catch up with the rising cost of inflation.

Both groups urged the Hong Kong government to reject the employers’ call, and instead address the long-standing problem with the low wages paid to locals and migrant workers.

 

DH gets 9 months for laundering $279K

 

West Kowloon Court

A Filipina domestic helper was jailed for nine months on Tuesday after a trial at West Kowloon Court, for a charge of money laundering. A total of $279,859.55 passed through her bank account eight years ago, and she was presumed to have known that the money came from crime.

Mary Grace Camania, 51 years old. was charged with dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of indictable offence, contrary to sections 25(1) and 25(3) of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

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Magistrate Shirley Hung handed down the sentence on Camania for the offense that took place from June 28 to August 29, 2018.

Camania had been accused of handling, together with other persons unknown, $279,859.55 in her account with Hang Seng Bank Limited.

Basahin ang detalye!

A charge sheet issued by the police said the amount, in whole or in part directly or indirectly, represented any person's proceeds of an indictable offence.

 

Filipina DH among 2 stabbed by amok in Pokfulam

 

Assailant is caught in the act of stabbing the Filipina

A Filipina domestic worker was one of two people who got injured after an apparently mentally ill man armed with a knife went on a rampage at the Baguio Villa estate in Pokfulam this Monday morning.

This was confirmed by Philippine Labor Attache to Hong Kong Cesar Chavez, Jr. who said his staff have been in touch with doctors looking after the Filipina, and have been informed that she could be discharged from the hospital tomorrow.

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Labatt Chavez said the Filipina worker sustained three stab wounds on her back but they were shallow, and caused no extensive injuries.

He assured the community that they will continue assisting the migrant worker even after she is discharged.

A guard and another man stopped the attacker from inflicting further harm on the Filipina

The Filipina was one of two people stabbed by the assailant who attacked them at the residential complex at about 9am.

The other victim was a security guard who sustained wounds to his hand. Both he and the domestic worker were conscious and were on their feet when taken to Queen Mary Hospital.

The suspect, who was described by onlookers as of South Asian origin, was arrested by police at the scene after he was restrained by security guards and passers-by. Taken from him was a knife measuring 28 centimeters long.

Basahin ang detalye!

The case was classified as wounding and is being investigated by the Western Police District.

Several videos uploaded online showed the entire incident. In one video, the Filipina who appeared to be in her 40s, is shown freezing in her track when she came face to face with the bearded amok outside the estate, on Victoria Road.

A Filipino man could be heard shouting from atop one of the buildings, “Äte, ate, layo!” (Big sister, get away!)

The Filipina tried to sprint across the street but the assailant pursued her, and started stabbing her from behind.

A security guard and a black-clad man who was described in news reports later as a friend of the assailant, rushed to her rescue. The man in black pushed the assailant away, while the security staff used a long stick to separate the two.

The Filipina initially refused to board the ambulance despite blood seeping through her shirt

Another footage showed the victim being asked in Filipino by bystanders why she was stabbed and she replied in Filipino, “hindi ko alam.” (I don’t know).

Police officers who had by then arrived asked her to board an ambulance which was on standby but she initially refused, despite blood seeping through her shirt. She was eventually persuaded to board, and was whisked away to hospital.

The wounded security guard, on the other hand, was shown parrying away the knife held by the assailant before fellow guards came to his rescue.