Death toll in Tai Po fire rises to 44; 279 remain missing

 

The fire was put under control this morning (HK Free Press photo)

A full-blown investigation has been launched into the worst fire to have hit Hong Kong in modern times, after the death toll in the tragedy rose to 44 as of 7am today, November 27.

At least 279 others are missing and 45 of those admitted in hospitals are in serious condition.

Around 900 people have sought refuge in shelters set up to accommodate survivors of the deadly fire that engulfed seven of the eight buildings in Wang Fuk estate, but is now mostly under control.

DETAILS HERE

The death toll has made this the worst fire in Hong Kong’s modern history, surpassing the 41 deaths that occurred in the fire that struck the Garley office building in Jordan on Nov. 20, 1996, about 29 years ago to date.

Among the dead was Ho Wai-ho, a veteran firefighter who was sent to the scene shortly after the fire broke out. He died of injuries at the Prince of Wales Hospital.

Chief Executive John Lee has described the fire as a “massive tragedy” and vowed a full investigation.

Basahin ang detalye!

Authorities said that three executives of the construction company that has been carrying out renovation works – two are directors and one a consultant - at the buildings have been arrested for gross negligence, and could be charged with manslaughter.

The estate has been undergoing renovation since July last year, and the buildings have been surrounded with bamboo scaffoldings, with plastic green nets as protection against falling debris.

Investigations revealed that another highly flammable material, styrofoam, had been used to seal  windows during the construction, contributing to the rapid spread of the fire.

900 fire survivors sought refuge at the Tai Po community center (AFP photo)

Officials at the Philippine Consulate remain under alert for any news about Filipinos living in the estate, many of them foreign domestic workers.

This was after reporting that a Filipina worker who arrived in Hong Kong only the day before the fire, had been declared safe along with her employer and a baby she was looking after.

The OFW, Rhodora Alcaraz Tunacao, had sent out a video appeal for help at the height of the fire, saying she was trapped with the baby and her employer in their flat.

One of her sisters, Abby, said they had been told that Rhodora had been taken to a hospital and is safe, but they have yet to hear from her directly.

The fire was first reported at 2:51pm on Wednesday, and quickly spread due to the plastic net and the bamboo scaffolding being used for the renovation work.

From being classified initially to a No 1 alarm fire it was quickly raised by 3:34pm to No 4, and to the highest level No 5 at 6:22 pm. It was the first time that the maximum fire alert level was raised in Hong Kong in 17 years.

The fire raged for more than 10 hours, making rescue work difficult.

 

Tai Po fire kills 13 people, injures 33 others

 

The deadly fire raged into the night (photo credit to owner)

Fire is still raging at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po 10 hours after it began, killing at least 13 people, including a fireman who was among dozens deployed to fight the blaze.

As of midnight, a government spokesman said 33 people have been injured I the blaze, seven of them in critical condition, 13 serious, and eight stable. The condition of one victim is unknown while four have been discharged after treatment.

The fire that broke out at 2:51pm quickly spread through bamboo scaffolding erected over seven blocks in the housing estate, and was upgraded to the No. 5 alarm, the highest in Hong Kong, in less than four hours.

DETAILS HERE

At least one Filipina domestic worker who reportedly arrived in Hong Kong only the previous day was reported to have been trapped in one of the buildings that caught fire, along with her female employer and a baby.

The worker, identified as Rhodora Alcaraz Tonacao, sent an audio message to a friend, asking for help. “Tulungan ninyo kami, nasusunugan na kami dito, na stuck na kami sa room, ang usok na dito sa loob, hawak ko ang baby…” said Rhodora.

Basahin ang detalye!

(Please help us, our house is on fire and we’re stuck in a room. There’s thick smoke, and I am carrying the baby).

But shortly after midnight, the assistance to nationals section of the Migrant Workers Office said Rhodora, her employer and the baby were all safe.

Rhodora's eldest sister Jacqueline appealed for help on Facebook

Earlier, Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. told The SUN they had been informed about Rhodora’s appeal and has already asked Hong Kong authorities for assistance.

“It’s tragic and heartbreaking to see such a fire of this magnitude engulf residential buildings where FDWs may be working,” Congen Israel said earlier. “But as of now, we have not received official report on any Filipinos that might have been affected.’

He added that the Consulate is praying hard for the victims, their families and the rescuers, “that God may show mercy and help the firemen and responders to put out the fire.”

Officials of the Consulate, including those at MWO and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, were up until past midnight to respond to queries and any appeals for help for Filipinos who might have been trapped in the inferno.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee inspected the temporary shelter for affected residents at Tai Po Community Centre on Wednesday night, before proceeding to Prince of Wales Hospital to check on the condition of the injured victims.

The Tai Po fire was one of the city’s deadliest, and triggered the maximum No 5 alarm for the first time in 17 years.

It's the first time in 17 years that the no 5 fire alarm was triggered

CE Lee is expected to provide further updates on the fire after his visits.

Several government officials including the Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Civil Service Secretary Ingrid Yeung, expressed sorrow over the death of fireman Ho Wai-ho who sustained injuries while fighting the fire.

He was rushed to Prince of Wales Hospital for treatment but succumbed to his injuries later.

 

Pair of scissors lands Pinoy in mental hospital

 

Siu Lam Hospital (Google Maps photo)

A 19-year-old Filipino arrested at Kornhill Plaza in Quarry Bay holding a pair of scissors, has ended up confined at the Siu Lam psychiatric hospital after he pleaded guilty at the Eastern Court.

Principal Magistrate David Cheung ordered that J.A.B. be confined at Siu Lam, known as Hong Kong’s top hospital for mental ailments, until Dec. 9 when he will be sentenced for possession of offensive weapon in a public place, contrary to section 33(1) and (2) of the Public Order Ordinance.

DETAILS HERE

In a hearing last Tuesday (Nov 25), Magistrate Cheung called for Detention Centre, Rehabilitation Centre and Psychiatric reports be done to guide his decision.

In an amended charge, Police accused Bunoan of having an offensive weapon, a pair of scissors, “without lawful authority or reasonable excuse” last Aug. 15 “in a public place near bus stop, outside Kornhill Plaza (South), No. 2 Komhill Road, Quarry Bay.”

Basahin ang detalye!

Under the ordinance, people of his age may be sentenced to stays in jail of up to three years or confinement in a Detention Centre or Rehabilitation Centre.

Police say Filipina still detained for vandalizing toilet

The public toilet where the alleged incident happened

Hong Kong Police have confirmed the arrest last week of a 39-year-old Filipina whose visa status was not mentioned, for allegedly using a cutter to damage two signs inside a public toilet in Sham Shui Po.

Police were called by a cleaner at about 1pm on November 17 after the Filipina allegedly ushed inside the toilet on Apliu Street and slashed two “Cleaning in Progress” signs with a box cutter.

Reports said the woman was acting erratically and appeared to be highly agitated at the time.

DETAILS HERE

Officers who rushed to the place searched the woman’s backpack and discovered a second cutter.

The police arrested her for possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage, before she was taken to Caritas Medical Centre for treatment..

Basahin ang detalye!

A brief police statement emailed to The SUN said she the suspect is still being detained as of Tuesday, November 25.

More charges filed against 6 DHs arrested for operating dental clinic

 

The 6 Filipino DHs after their arrest in unlicensed dental business

Prosecutors have filed 10 more charges against six Filipino domestic helpers arrested last August for running an unlicensed dental clinic in Sham Shui Po. 

Their leader, Marites Bohol, 48 years old, faced seven of the charges when she appeared before Magistrate Raymond Wong today at Shatin Court, and was returned to jail to await the next hearing on Jan. 20 next year, while her five co-accused were freed on bail of $2,000 each.

Bohol originally faced a charge of breach of condition of stay for allegedly establishing a business, which domestic helpers are not allowed to do, and illegally employing four of her of-accused. She was slapped two additional charges of practicing dentistry while not a registered dentist.

DETAILS HERE

Four charges were dismissed against Marissa Necesito, 60 years old, for employing four fellow domestic helpers to help out in the clinic. However, the charge of breach of condition of stay remained, and she faces an additional charge of practicing dentistry without a license.

The four others -- Carles Lie Ramos, 34 years old .Cherrie Mel Patiga, 37 years old. Rowena Cerdina, 46 years old. Jucen Naong, 40 years old – were each slapped charges of breach of conditions of stay for illegally working in the clinic as “dental assistants”, and of “aiding and abetting” Bohol and Necessito.

The six were arrested by Immigration Department officers last Aug. 17 in a raid on a subdivided unit in Sham Shui Po while allegedly providing unlicensed dental treatments.

Basahin ang detalye!

Thirteen other Filipinos were found inside the makeshift clinic, apparently customers seeking treatment at between $150 and $500 per procedure. They were not arrested.

Filipino held for allegedly luring 5 men to scam hubs

 

The 5 victims were told they would fly to HK en route to their jobs in Vietnam (file)

Five Filipinos about to be sent to scam hubs in Cambodia were rescued by combined forces of the Bureau of Immigration, NAIA Task Force Against Trafficking, and the National Bureau of Investigation earlier this month.

Arrested for large-scale illegal recruitment was Arturo G. Zoilo, Jr. who allegedly promised to secure jobs for the victims in Vietnam, but told them they would have to go through Hong Kong first.

DETAILS HERE

The would-be overseas Filipino workers were promised jobs as customer service representative or sales marketing officer, for which they would be paid between Php30,000 and Php40,000 each month.

In truth, the five rescued Filipinos were meant to work in an online fraud operation in  Cambodia.

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac talks to Myanmar scam victims

Just a fortnight ago, a total of 346 Filipinos were rescued from scam hubs in Myanmar and brought home. The workers said they were promised high-paying jobs and forced to engage in online fraud for fear of punishment. They are currently undergoing psychosocial counseling, medical check-up and legal interviews.

The press statement about the rescue was posted on the Facebook page of the DMW Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons Program, but the details of the arrest were not disclosed.

Basahin ang detalye!

The statement also said investigations had shown that Zoilo used to work in a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator or POGO. His previous employer, an Indonesian who went by the alias “Sate”, had reportedly told him to recruit workers for Cambodia, and help work on their papers.

Zoilo now faces charges of large-scale illegal recruitment and qualified human trafficking,which are both non-bailable, and carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Authorities say they are still on the lookout for a key participant in the illegal recruitment, and are investigating the extent of their network.

They are calling on all those who have  been victimized  by Zoilo or Sate to immediately contact the Migrant Workers Bureau of the DMW through the  MWPB Facebook page https://web.facebook.com/dmwairtip

 

Filipina detained for allegedly making child pornography

 

Tuen Mun Court

A Filipina domestic helper has been returned to jail custody after appearing at Tuen Mun Courts today, charged with making child pornography.

E. Chua, 44 years old, will be detained until the next hearing scheduled for Dec. 1 by Acting Principal Magistrate Daniel Tang.

Information filed by the Tuen Mun Police last July 7 alleged that Chua made “child pornography, namely, one video of girl Y masturbating, two videos of boy X masturbating and being nude, one video of boy X peeing and girl Y showing her chest and two pictures of boy X being nude.”

DETAILS HERE

The pornography was made on an “unknown date between the 19th day of November 2022 and the 04th day of July 2025” in a flat in Blossom Garden, on Leung Tak Street, New Territories, police added.

Section 3(1) of the Prevention of Child/Pornography Ordinance, under which Chua is charged, states:

“Any person who prints, makes, produces, reproduces, copies, imports or exports any child pornography commits an offence and is liable—

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“(a) on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2,000,000 and to imprisonment for 8 years; or

“(b) on summary conviction to a fine of $1,000,000 and to imprisonment for 3 years.

Fr Efren Ojeda, 65

 

Fr Efren, OFM, was known for his ever-present smile

Father Efren Ojeda of the Order of Friars Minor (OFM), who was well-loved by many Filipino Catholics in Hong Kong, passed away on Saturday, November 22.

His death was announced by the OFM in Hong Kong, which also asked for prayers for his repose, and said details of his funeral would be announced at a later date.

Overseas Filipino worker Lydia Dolera, who is a regular volunteer for masses held at the Philippine Consulate, said Fr. Efren was found collapsed on Saturday, but had no information on the cause of his death.

DETAILS HERE

Lydia said Fr Efren was set to say mass on Sunday at the OFW Global Centre, in celebration of the feast of the Christ the King, and she had thought of going to him for confession. 

His death made her recall an incident showing Fr Efren's humorous side. As she was about to make her confession to him one time, Fr. Efren said in jest that God already knew what she was going to say.

Basahin ang detalye!

Fr Efren was known to many other Filipino Catholics in Hong Kong as he had said mass for years at various churches with big Filipino congregations, like St Jude’s in North Point, the Catholic Centre as well as St. Joseph’s church in Central, and many others.

He was also known to readily agree to give final blessings to Filipinos who passed away in Hong Kong, particularly the migrant workers.

Fr Efren blesses young cathechists at St Jude's church in North Point

One OFW church volunteer posted on Facebook that Fr Efren was supposed to be with her group to preside over the Solemnity of Christ the King mass, followed by an afternoon procession and the benediction of the Blessed Sacrament – something he used to do with them every year.

“We are saddened …that you are gone on the eve of the celebration,” said the OFW. “You may not be with us today physically but in our hearts, our prayers and celebrations, you will always be with us..."

She added that Fr Efren’s inspirational homilies, personal guidance as well as the jokes he often made would be in the hearts of her church group.

To many other churchgoers, Fr Efren’s passing meant they would no longer hear his trademark after-mass blessing which he would always sing in a distinct way: “May the blessing of the Lord, the blessing of the Lord, be with you all the way…”

Fr. Efren was 65.

 

Ex-HK OFW is mom to a ‘Bagong Bayani’

 

Nanay Evangeline is congratulated by President Bongbong Marcos after being introduced
by DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac at the Bagong Bayani awards

Former Hong Kong domestic worker Evangeline Isla was given special mention by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac in a Facebook post on Saturday, Nov. 22, after she represented her engineer-daughter at the Bagong Bayani awards in Malacanang two days earlier.

Nanay Evangeline proudly stood on the podium at Malacanang's ceremonial hall in place of her daughter, Qatar-based engineer Romaline Isla, who was named “outstanding employee.”

DETAILS HERE

Secretary Cacdac said in his post, “Maari pong sabihin na dalawang OFWs po ang pinarangalan natin sa isang tropeo at medalya.” (It could be said that we honored two OFWs with a trophy and a medal).

“Malugod po silang kinilala ng ating mahal na Pangulo sa “Palace of the People”. (Both were warmly received by our beloved President in the ‘Palace of the People.’)

Roma's poster shot during the awards rites

Nanay Evangeline told The SUN that she began her OFW journey in Saudi Arabia together with her husband Rolando where they both worked for five years, before she moved on, alone, to Hong Kong, where she continued working as a domestic helper for another 15 years.

In Hong Kong, Nanay Evangeline had some of his worst experiences as an OFW, including being shouted at and poked in the face by her female employer from the mainland.

“Mabuti na lang at mabait ang asawa niya na Australyano kaya ako nakatagal,” she told The SUN. (Luckily, her husband who is Australian, was nice, so I managed to hold on).

PINDUTIN DITO

She was also lucky in that her husband agreed to settle down in their Pangasinan hometown so he could do odd carpentry jobs while looking after their four children.

It was her children, the eldest of whom was Romaline or Roma, who kept her going, said Nanay Evangeline.

“Gusto ko silang makatapos lahat. Ayaw ko silang matulad sa akin na domestic helper,” she said, the memory still fresh in her mind. (I wanted all of them to complete their studies. I did not want any of them to become a domestic helper like me).

Basahin ang detalye!

Her effort paid off when Roma went abroad, not as a domestic helper, but as an accomplished engineer, and quickly rose through the ranks.

Recently, Roma moved on to a renowned construction firm in Doha where she was made an environmental manager, and because she could not yet go on vacation leave, asked the person who played a key part in her success - her mother - to represent her at the awards rites.

Seeing Roma so honored made Nanay Evangeline doubly proud and happy, for she not only fulfilled her wishes for her children, her daughter also showed how an OFW could shine and help uplift the country abroad.

 

Pinay detained on drug charges

 

Rambler Hotel, where alleged drugs were found in a room  (Google Maps photo)

A Filipina asylum-seeker has found herself in jail along with an Indian, while their two other Indian co-defendants were allowed bail after their case at Eastern Court was amended to two counts of drug trafficking.

The original cases against Vanessa Poblacion, Karnesh Bawa, Aftab Alam and Kalimuddin Mohammed were : trafficking in a dangerous drug, possession of apparatus fit and intended for the inhalation of dangerous drug, driving an unlicensed vehicle, and using a vehicle without third party insurance.

Prosecutors presented an amended case to Magistrate Kestrel Lam on Thursday (Nov. 20), charging the four with two counts of drug trafficking, contrary to sections 4(1)(a) and (3) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.

DETAILS HERE

Before he adjourned the case to Jan 22 next year, Magistrate Lam remanded Poblacion, 36 years old, and Mohammed, while allowing Bawa to post bail of $60,000 and Alam, $100,000.

The first charge accuses Bawa, Alam and Mohammed of trafficking 3,050 grams of cannabis in herbal form on May 30, 2023, at Tsing Kwai Highway Ch 9.5 North (near Lamppost FB7662 Cheung Tsing Bridge, Tuen Mun Bound); in Tsing Yi, New Territories.

The second charge accuses all four of trafficking in dangerous drugs on May 30, 2023, in a room at the Rambler Oasis Hotel on Tsing Yi Road, New Territories. Found in their possession were:

PINDUTIN DITO

(i) 694.64 grams of cannabis in herbal form;

(ii) 1,718.7 grams of cannabis resin;

(iii) 603 grams of a solid containing cannabis resin;

(iv) 39.6 grams of a crystalline solid containing 39.6 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride;

(v) 11.9 grams of a solid containing 9.90 grams of ketamine;

Basahin ang detalye!

(vi) 15.6 grams of a solid containing 8.70 grams of cocaine;

 (vii) 15.4 grams of a solid containing 13.5 grams of a solid containing N,N-dimethylpentylone;

(viii) 2,861 grams of a solid containing 1.71 grams of tetrahydrocannabinol;

(ix) 25.1 grams of a liquid containing 18.11 grams of tetrahydrocannabinol;

(x) 21.7 grams of a solid containing 16.7 grams of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine;

(xi) 339 tablets and 1 tablet fragment containing 21.97 grams of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine; and 1,

(xii) 0.06 grams of a solid containing lysergide.

Unaccompanied minors can only travel abroad with ma’s personal consent

 

Mothers must appear in person to give consent before their minor child can travel abroad

A mother must personally give her consent before her minor child can travel abroad unaccompanied by either parent, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

To make the consent valid, the mother must be physically present at an interview before the Travel Clearance Certificate (TCC) can be issued for the child.

The reminder was issued Saturday through the Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) online system.

DETAILS HERE

MTA welfare officer Katherine dela Cruz explained, “We require the presence of the mother, even if she has consented and signed. We need them to attend the interview for confirmation.”

Dela Cruz noted that in the past, mothers had signed the consent papers but were absent during interviews.

The requirement for the mother’s explicit and personal consent is in line with the DSWD’s strict process in issuing TCCs to protect Filipino children from trafficking and exploitation.

PINDUTIN DITO

The rule applies to all kinds of travel by minors, whether alone or with people other than their parents, including for competitions abroad, taking up study grants or attending out-of-country training.

The TCC requires the written consent of both parents or the solo parent or legal guardian, notarized and with details of the travel companion, destination, purpose and duration. If the parent/s is abroad, the Affidavit of Consent and Support must be obtained from the nearest embassy or consulate.

Dela Cruz said the MTA follows provisions of the Family Code, which designates the mother as having sole parental authority over a child.

Basahin ang detalye!

In line with the law, if the mother is missing, the father or guardian must obtain a social case study report from the local social welfare and development office of the local government unit, as well as a police blotter report.

The DSWD said its regional field offices will assist people who cannot access the MTA online system or have no internet connection.

For more information, please check the MTA webpage: https://car.dswd.gov.ph/programs-services/protective-services-program/minors-travelling-abroad/

 

 

Belen-making contest for orgs launched

 

The Consulate General has launched PaSTARan 2025, this year’s contest for Belen-making for all organizations in the Filipino community, with the theme: Holy Family, Light of Happiness and Love.

Organized in collaboration with LBC Hong Kong, St. Joseph’s Church and the Philippine Association of Hong Kong, the annual contest provides an opportunity for members of the Filipino community to showcase their creativity, craftsmanship, and devotion through the art of Belen-making.

DETAILS HERE

Those who wish to join this contest may submit their filled-out Entry Registration Form (Form No. HKPCG-CS-PRN-2025-1) to the Consulate's Cultural Section OR accomplish the Google form from 20 to 30 November. The form can be opened by clicking this: bit.ly/4oXTCIT

The announcement and awarding of winners will be held immediately after the Simbang Gabi on Dec. 21 (Sunday) at 10:00 pm, at the St. Joseph's Church in Central. The evening party on Dec. 21 starts at 9:00pm.

PINDUTIN DITO

According to the guidelines for the contest, all Belen entries must:

• Only feature the Holy Family (St. Joseph, Mama Mary, Baby Jesus and the Star of Bethlehem);
• Be made up of at least 70% recycled and repurposed materials (used items meant for disposal); and
• Be 1.5 ft tall and 2 ft wide. Any measurement in excess of the allowable size will incur point deductions.
• Lighting-enabled entries must use battery-operated lights.
• Only one (1) entry will be allowed for each Filipino Community organization.

Basahin ang detalye!

Criteria for judging are the following:

• Relevance to the theme 30%
• Originality 30%
• Overall presentation 20%
• Creativity 10%
• Use of recycled materials 10%

The prizes are:

Grand Winner: HKD 4,000 and 2 medium-sized door-to-door boxes

1st Runner Up: HKD 2,500 and 1 medium-sized box

2nd Runner Up{ HKD 1,500 and 1 medium-sized box

People's Choice Award: HKD 500 and 1 medium-sized box

For inquiries and additional information, please send an email at cultural.pcg@gmail.com or call 2823-8535.