Mainland traveler from Manila found with 5.5 kg cocaine

The 5.5 kilos of cocaine has a market value of HK$4.1 million

A 24-year-old male passenger from the Mainland was arrested on his arrival in Hong Kong from Manila on Tuesday, Oct. 6, after about 5.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine was found in his baggage, along with 45 untaxed cigarettes.

The drugs were said to have an estimated market value of about HK$4.1 million.

According to a statement released by Hong Kong Customs, the illicit goods were found in the man’s carry-on baggage during customs clearance.

An investigation is ongoing.

Customs said it will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis.

The department also advised the public to be wary of carrying unknown items for other people, and not to take part in any drug trafficking activities in exchange for monetary return.

Drug trafficking is a serious offence in Hong Kong. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life imprisonment and fine of up to HK$5 million.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO), any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is seven years’ jail and a fine of $2 million.

        
Any suspected drug trafficking activities should be reported, either to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

 

 

HK gears up for Halloween Fest

 

Perspective drawing of the Halloween installation on Statue Square

Halloween is about to get big in Hong Kong.

Starting on October 17, five tourist spots in the city will be lit up and street parties held, as part of Hong Kong’s bid to become Asia’s premier Halloween destination.

In Central, a giant Halloween-themed installation will be set up on Statue Square starting on October 17, while a music and arts festival will liven up Chater Road from 3pm on October 18. The celebration will culminate with a colourful Halloween party on October 31.

Lan Kwai Fong will always be the go-to place for Halloween

At nearby Lan Kwai Fong, organizers are planning not just one, but three, themed street celebrations with performers, music and photo spots for costumed revellers.

At  Kai Tak Sports Park, there will be three weekends of cosplay activities with Cantopop DJs playing music, and a pet photo area.

In Mong Kok, there will be a haunted red minibus installation while Tsim Sha Tsui East will have DJ parties and a Halloween market.

Disneyland and Ocean Park started offering Halloween treats and tricks at the start of the month, and will carry this on until Halloween Day.

Perspective of an open-top bus for Halloween Month

There will also be free night rides to passengers in Halloween costumes on open-top buses and party trams.

The open-top bus rides will start operating at 6pm on October 16-17, October 24-25 and October 30-31 - covering two Saturdays, two Sundays, and Halloween Eve and Halloween Day.

Pick-ups will be every 45 minutes at four boarding points: Statue Square in Central, Langham Place in Mong Kok, Kai Tak Sports Park and Tsim Sha Tsui Centre.

The party trams will also operate on the same dates and time along a designated route between Causeway Bay and Western Market in Sheung Wan.

Free ride tickets will be given to passengers who dress in Halloween costumes and spend the minimum amount set by participating merchants.

The tickets can be redeemed on a first-come, first-served basis at designated malls and venues operated by HKTB partners, including Hongkong Land, Kai Tak Sports Park, Langham Place and Sino Group.

Also part of the festival is HKTB’s social media campaign, which will call on the public to post Halloween photos in Hong Kong on Instagram, Weibo, using designated tags and hashtags. Prizes will be given for photos that will be selected.

The Halloween blitz is part of a new tourism strategy announced in February’s budget that will focus on festivals that are less prominent in mainland China, to attract more visitors in the city.

The Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival at Victoria Park which has been extended until today, October 7, is also part of the new tourism thrust.

DH jailed 1 month for stealing cash

Hilton Plaza in Shatin

A domestic helper was jailed for one month today by Shatin Court after she confessed to stealing 4,000 yuan in cash and HK$2,950.

Sharon Rose Brito, 44 years old, was convicted of theft, contrary to section 9 of the Theft Ordinance.

Basahin ang detalye!

According to Shatin Police which filed the complaint, Brito stole the cash, owned by female Ruby Suen Wai Kam, between May 1 and June 10, 2026, in a flat at Hilton Plaza, 3-9 Sha Tin Centre Street, Shatin, New Territories.

Pinay jailed 8 months for lying to Immigration

 

Immigration file photo

A Filipina who lied to an Immigration officer when she said upon her arrival at the Hong Kong International Airport that she would be working as a domestic helper in Hong Kong, was jailed for eight months today after she pleaded guilty at Shatin court.  

Flordeliza Molina, 40 years old, was convicted of making a false representation to an Immigration Officer lawfully acting under or in the execution of Part II of the Immigration Ordinance, contrary to section 42 (1) (a) of the Immigration Ordinance.

Basahin ang detalye!

Molina had falsely claimed to an Immigration Officer, when she arrived on August 15, 2026, that she would work as a domestic helper for Ma Siu Tao.

However, she was cleared of a second charge, using a false instrument, contrary to section 73 of the Crimes Ordinance, when it was withdrawn by prosecutors.

Molina had been charged with using an instrument, a Notification Slip for Entry Visa/Permit in her name, “which was, and which you knew or believed to be, false, with the intention of inducing the Director of Immigration and his officers,” the complaint issued by Immigration said.

Meanwhile, in the same court, Mary Joy Lufos was sentenced to nine weeks in jail minus 17 days for overstaying, after she pleaded guilty to breach of condition of stay, contrary to section 41 of the Immigration Ordinance.

When Lufos arrrived in Hong Kong as a tourist, she was given until June 6, 2018 to leave but remained until she was arrested on April 2, 2021.

She has since sought non-refoulement status to prevent the Hong Kong government from forcibly sending her home.

Filipino DH accused of HK$800k theft

 

View of Monterey Cove at Caribbean Coast (Facebook photo)

A 33-year-old Filipino domestic helper is being held by police after allegedly stealing jewelry from her employers worth around HK$800,000.

Police say they received a call at 9:57pm on Sunday from the 59-year-old Indian male employer, who claimed that his 60-year-old wife had just found that a batch of their jewelry was missing, and suspected that their helper had stolen them.

Basahin ang detalye!

Officers who responded to the call went to the house at Monterey Cove in Carribean Coast, Tung Chung, and after preliminary investigation, the helper was arrested. She is still being detained as of this writing.

The Criminal Investigation Team from the Lantau Police District is handling the case.

 

Pinay jailed 4 months for stealing employer’s personal items

 

Illustrative photo created with deevid.ai

A Filipina domestic helper on trial over the theft of a pair of used sunglasses, one tube of three-year-old MAC lipstick and one unfinished tube of hair mascara, was found guilty today at the Eastern Court and sentenced to four months imprisonment.

Magistrate Tobias Cheng said in giving his verdict that he found enough contradictions in the testimony of Mary June Valerio, 29 years old, to reach his conclusion.

Valerio had denied stealing the items from Nanami Harrison, the wife of her employer, at their residence at Arezzo, 33 Seymour Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong between an unknown date in March 2026 and June 27, 2026.

Basahin ang detalye!

She was charged with violation of section 9 of the Theft Ordinance.

Cheng noted the good relationship between Valerio and Harrison, the possibilty that the stolen items may have been thrown by the employer into garbage bags as the family was packing up to move out of the flat and Harrison always misplacing her things, but these did not outweigh the fact that the items were found in Valerio’s belongings.

“The defendant presented contradictory evidence,” he said.

Cheng said contrary to the defense claim, the pair of sunglasses was in good condition and can have a resale value of $1,500. The hair mascara and lipstick were half used but had no obvious damage and still usable, he added.

In mitigation, Valerio’s lawyer said the conviction is already a severe punishment as she can longer find a job in Hong Kong.

But Cheng cited previous cases in which the punishment was seven to nine months in prison. He said he considered a suspended sentence, but did not find it appropriate.

Consulate tells OFWs, be careful when you blog

 

OFW participants were told they could be breaching their visa conditions if they blog

Taking up jobs that are not within the scope of the standard employment contracts of foreign domestic helpers, including blogging or endorsing products and services online, may be considered illegal, even if unpaid.

This was the consensus of several officers of the Philippine Consulate General and its attached agencies when asked at Sunday’s community leaders’ forum if blogging or vlogging, are among the prohibited acts under FDH contracts.

DETAILS HERE

Alann C. Mas, founder of Kabayani Hong Kong, asked if the Consulate could provide guidelines on when blogging on social media turns from being a leisure activity to illegal work.

He further asked if the Philippines has IT (information technology) or ecommerce laws that can help define when a social media engagement can be considered work.

Elnar tells OFWs, "ibayong ingat po'' with their online activities

Trade Attache Eric Elnar said the law on ecommerce still needs to be polished, but to be safe, he said overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong should not use social media to engage in any employment or sales activity.

“Ibayong ingat po, huwag nang mag sideline, especially live selling, lalo na sa Facebook,” he said. (Be very careful, do not do any sideline, especially live selling on Facebook).

Press for details

Labor Attache Cesar Chavez, Jr. explained, “Sa Pilipinas walang problema yan” (There’s no problem with doing it in the Philippines). “But we are governed by Hong Kong laws, including the conditions of stay in the employment contracts.”

He said all OFWs in Hong Kong must follow these laws “para maiwasan ang problema.” (so problems are avoided).

Basahin ang detalye!

Chavez then reminded the audience that there is no distinction under Hong Kong laws between paid and unpaid work in these cases. Thus, a FDH who is caught taking up work other than what is stated in the employment contract cannot argue that no payment is attached to the job.

He also said that while blogging in itself may not be considered illegal work, authorities may take a second look if the online activity interferes with the work supposed to be done by a domestic worker.

Deputy Consul General Von Ryan Ferrera echoed the sentiment, and said all OFWs must be doubly cautious now, as the Immigration Department has been cracking down hard on illegal work.

DCG Ferrera says do not do work that is not in the employment contract

“Kung hindi nakasaad sa inyong kontrata, huwag na ninyong gawin.” (If it’s not stipulated in your contract, don’t do it), he said.

To further emphasize the point, a Filcom leader asked what might happen to Filipina domestic workers who were recently caught doing massage therapy work in a private spa. She said both their contracts had expired, but Immigration has been taking its time processing their application for renewal.

She was told that this could already be an indication that the two would no longer be allowed to work in Hong Kong. They may not be charged with violating their conditions of stay, but they will also not be allowed to process a new employment contract again.

Labatt Chavez said this has happened in a number of cases where the accused OFWs were acquitted of the charge of illegal work, with the help of lawyers hired by MWO. Despite getting their names cleared, they were not allowed to process new employment contracts.

Despite this, he said MWO will try to appeal to Immigration on behalf of OFWs who want to continue working in Hong Kong after being apprehended, or cleared, of illegal work.

Under Hong Kong’s Immigration laws, a helper should only perform domestic duties for the employer specified in the contract. The helper should not take up any other employment, including part-time domestic duties, with another person.

FDHs who breach their condition of stay face a maximum jail term of two years and fine of up to HK$50,000.

Employers of illegal worker face a more severe penalty of up to 10 years in jail and a fine of no more than HK$500,000.

Aiders and abettors will also be liable to prosecution.

 

MWO AKSYON Fund releases in HK hit $4.3million

 by Leo A. Deocadiz 

Labatt Chavez delivering his accomplishment report at the forum

The Migrant Workers Office has released $4.3 million of AKSYON Fund to 661 beneficiaries in Hong Kong in the last nine months, most of them receiving money within an hour of applying, Labor Attache Cesar Chavez Jr. told a community leaders’ forum today.

 “When you ask for help and your supporting documents are complete, the money will be released immediately. You can wait for it. No need to return another day,” he said. “Processing will just take minutes; an hour will be too long,” he said.

MWO continues to process AKSYON Fund (Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan), which is designed to provide immediate legal, medical, and emergency financial assistance to distressed or displaced OFWs.

DETAILS HERE

Standard payouts include:

• ₱50,000 for regular distressed employment situations.
• ₱75,000 for workers who become seriously ill or are in warlike zones.
• ₱100,000 in bereavement assistance for the next of kin of deceased workers.
• $200 USD (about ₱12,000) for immediate employment shocks, such as those affected by Middle East tensions.  

Press for details

Part of such assistance is MWO giving lawyers for OFWs facing court charges. At present, 17 cases are pending, one has been dismissed, and four are on trial.

“We are giving lawyers for cases that are in already in court. Those waiting for hearing, we give them retained lawyers or duty lawyers (who are funded by the Hong Kong government),” Chavez said.

This way, he said, they avoid giving lawyers to OFWs who would be pleading guilty anyway; they cost $100,000.

Basahin ang detalye!

“We are giving lawyers only to those who want to fight for their rights,” he added.

Chaves also said the MWO has verified 75,552 individual employment contracts during the first nine months of 2026.

A vast majority of these contracts -- 75, 214 -- were for domestic workers. Only 124 contracts were for professional and skilled workers and 214 were for semi-skilled workers.

The MWO is thus adjusting the requirements for employment agencies when it resumes accreditation on Oct. 23, four months after suspending it last June 22.

“We had 814 foreign recruitment agencies in Hong Kong when we issued the moratorium,” he said. “We are planning to resume this coming Oct. 23 but only for applicants who will be hiring skilled workers also. Hindi na pwedeng katulong lang (Hiring only domestic workers will no longer suffice). They should strive to recruit skilled workers.”

Among the accredited agencies, he said, seven have been suspended.

He pointed to one agency whose accreditation has been suspended for refusing to process the subsistence allowance sought by an OFW facing a case in court.

Under Philippine law, OFWs whose mandatory insurance is in force are entitled to US$100 per month for six months while they have a pending case.

Now, he said, the agency owner is trying to seek a meeting with him. “Why talk to me? They should first do their obligation and then we’ll talk,” he said.

Statistics provided by Chavez shows how the Aksyon Fund is disbursed

Chavez also listed other improvements at the MWO, among them:

• Special licensing examinations are being planned for more under-board graduates such as nurses, architects and engineers to enhance their status so they will have better jobs and bigger incomes. Almost 300 passed the last licensure exam for teachers. In the test held recently, “we had 314 who took the exam. We hope for a lot of passers,” he said.
• The online system for Balik Manggagawa makes it easier for OFWs to verify their contracts and avoid problems with Philippine Immigration, which has tightened the screening of people leaving the country because of increasing cases of surrogacy, illegal recruitment and trafficking.
• A new queueing system that will prevent OFWs having to fall in long lines. “Now you only need to get a number, and then you can do your other errands outside the office and return only when your number will soon be called,” he said.
• An investigation is ongoing on a report that several OFWs who entered Hong Kong as domestic workers have been seen working in Wanchai as waitresses. “Be assured that employment agencies that do not folow our regulations will be penalized,” he said.
• MWO renovation will begin shortly at no expense to the government as it will be paid for by  landlord.

New $5220 minimum wage for FDHs generally welcomed

 

Most FDWs are grateful enough that there's a salary increase

Foreign domestic helpers have largely welcomed the new minimum wage of HK$5220 mandated for them by the Hong Kong government with many saying it was “better than nothing.”

Others were thankful, to both the Hong Kong government for keeping up the practice of giving modest increase in their wages; and to fellow migrants who took to the streets to call for higher wages.

Migrants rights advocate Eman Villanueva of Bayan Muna Hong Kong and Macau claimed victory over the decision not to freeze wages, as was the call of a group of employers who warned that there would be “mass terminations” if an increase was ordered.

DETAILS HERE

“Salamat sa mga organisasyon at unyon na nakipaglaban para tumaas ang sahod at hindi matuloy ang wage freeze,” he said in a post.(Thank you to all organizations and unions that fought for a salary increase and against a wage freeze).

But in a press statement issued Saturday, the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body which fought for a “living wage” of HK$6,172, expressed dismay that the new minimum wage is just HK$120 more than last year’s.

AMCB says the fight for 'living wage' will continue

AMCB also decried that no increase in the food allowance -or what is given a migrant worker in lieu of free meals – was mandated.

“Clearly, the Hong Kong government has no intention of meeting our demand for a living wage. While the no increase in food allowance will mean more expenses and loss in the wage of FDWs who are not provided food at their employer’s house,” said AMCB.

Basahin ang detalye!

It called on fellow migrant workers to continue the fight for a living wage, and for the longstanding demands of regulation of work hours, suitable accommodation, unconditional long service benefit, and food allowance commensurate to the inflation rate.

Meanwhile, Labour Minister Chris Sun said in an interview that the 2.35 % increase in the minimum wage for FDHs was reasonable, and was based on a comprehensive review of annual economic performance, employers’ income and inflation.

He said that if the economy does well and the overall data are positive, the growth rate typically fluctuates within a range of 2 and 2.5%; thus a salary increase within this range is fair.

Labour to hold briefing for FDHs

Scan QR code to enroll in briefing

The Labour Department (LD) will conduct an online briefing on October 11, 2026 (Sunday) via Zoom for foreign domestic helpers, to explain their employment rights and how to keep clear of threats to their safety.

LD has invited representatives from the Hong Kong Police Force and the Immigration Department to give our participants a talk on anti-money laundering and fraudsters’ practices, points-to-note for FDHs working in Hong Kong, as well as individual and community safety awareness.

DETAILS HERE

It will be held from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm and conducted in English.

The October 11 briefing will be open to all FDHs who enrol by noon of October 9 (Friday) through the following ways:

• Online enrolment: Use the QR code above, or

Basahin ang detalye!

• Enroll by email or fax. Send the duly completed enrolment form (available at https://www.fdh.labour.gov.hk/res/pdf/Individual_Enrolment_Form.pdf) to the Foreign Domestic Helpers Division of LD (Email address: fdh-enquiry@labour.gov.hk; Fax no.: 3101 0604).

The event is free of charge. Enrolment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrolment results will be issued by email. For enquiries, please call 3582 8995.

FDH minimum pay raised to HK$5,220 a month

 

Consultation meeting at HK Labour Dept on new minimum wage (File)

From tomorrow, October 3, the minimum salary to be paid to foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong will be raised to HK$5,220 from the previous HK$5,100.

Under the Standard Employment Contract, employers are obliged to give free food to their domestic workers. If they decide to opt out of this arrangement, they should pay a food allowance in lieu.

The optional food allowance will remain frozen for the second consecutive year at HK$1,236.

DETAILS HERE

The new wage level will likely come as a disappointment to migrant workers’ support groups, as they had clamoured for a minimum salary of more than HK$6,000 a month, citing the high cost of inflation.

Employers, on the other hand, had pushed for a wage freeze, also citing the considerable increase in prices of food and basic commodities, and the sluggish economy. They warned of mass termination should the government continued raising FDH salaries.

A statement issued by the government said the new wage level is commensurate with Hong Kong’s economic and labour conditions over the past year, near-term outlook, affordability of FDH employers and basic living needs of FDHs.

Basahin ang detalye!

During the review process, the Government said it consulted both employers and FDHs to understand their concerns and suggestions, and came to the view that this year’s socio-economic indicators are more favorable than those of last year.

FDH contracts signed today, Oct 2, or before, at the existing minimum wage of HK$5,100 will still be processed by Immigration Department, provided the applications reached them on or before October 30, Friday.

The new wage level will likely come as a disappointed to both migrant organizations and employers’ support groups.

Migrant workers have been clamouring for a minimum salary of more than HK$6,000 a month, citing the high cost of inflation, while the employers’ groups had called for a freeze, using the same reason and warned of mass terminations if salaries were raised yet again.

3 Filipinos held for alleged trafficking of 35 kg of marijuana

 

Some of the marijuana buds allegedly found in luggage of the 3 Filipinos

Three Filipinos – one male and two females – have been detained after a total of about 35 kilos of suspected marijuana buds were found inside their check-in suitcase on their arrival in Hong Kong on September 29..

The 32-year-old male and the two females, aged 24 and 31, had flown in from Bangkok, Thailand, where huge amounts of cannabis or marijuana buds have been brought in lately by incoming passengers on a regular basis.

DETAILS HERE

Yesterday, two Mainland tourists – a man aged 40 and a woman aged 47 - were also detained after flying in from Bangkok through Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam with suspected marijuana in their suitcases, weighing 5 and 6 kilos respectively.

The total haul of 46 kilos or marijuana seized from the five passengers were said to have a total estimated value of HK$9.2 million.

The marijuana buds seized in second case

In addition to the marijuana haul allegedly found in their suitcases, the two Filipinas were also found to have brought with them a batch of products containing suspected Part 1 poisons (examples are prescription drugs like morphine, antibiotics and erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra, and nicotine products).

A statement released by Customs authorities said investigations into the three separate cases are continuing.

The statement also warned the public to stay alert and not take part in drug trafficking activities for monetary gain. They must not agree to carry prohibited substances, or any unknown items, for other people.

Basahin ang detalye!

In the meantime, airport authorities will continue to carry out random checks on incoming passengers at Hong Kong airport as part of efforts to crack down on drug trafficking.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking carries with it a maximum penalty upon conviction of a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Possessing Part 1 Poison can result to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for two years. 

Any suspected drug trafficking activities may be reported to Customs' 24-hour hotline, 182 8080, or to  its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).    

 

 

Hygiene officials arrest 10 people, seize foods and goods at FDH haunts

 

Among those seized were items stored under a footbridge

A total of 10 people have been arrested over the past three weeks at various places frequented by foreign domestic helpers for suspected unlicensed hawking and causing obstruction in public places.

Seized during the operations were about two tons of goods, including cooked food, clothing items, bags and cosmetics. The items were either seized from illegal vendors or were left behind in public places by unknown people.

The crackdown on the illegal activities were carried out by officers of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department following an education and information campaign carried out in cooperation with consulates of FDH-sending countries.

Basahin ang detalye!

As part of the effort, Philippine labor attache Cesar Chavez. Jr. appeared in a video reminding Filipino domestic workers not to violate their conditions of stay by engaging in illegal work such as providing manicure, pedicure and eyebrow trimming services, or hawking.

Since the end of the publicity campaign, the FEHD is said to have stepped up patrols and cleaning operations, issued more than 30 notices regarding unattended items, and removed more than 80 kilos of items stored on government land or obstructing passageways.

Setting up tents that obstruct public passageways is also prohibited

Those found to have set up tents in public places to store personal items were issued with notices and their cases referred to relevant departments for follow-up.

The FEHD stressed that FDHs engaging in illegal hawking are in breach of their conditions of stay and may be arrested and prosecuted.

Illegal work is punishable with a maximum penalty of two years in prison and HK$10,000 fine.

Goods seized from illegal hawkers

Employers are urged to remind their helpers to comply with the law and help maintain environmental hygiene by not hawking and blocking or storing personal items on government land.

Any suspected unlicensed hawking or other irregularities may be reported directly to the FEHD.