2 Indonesian domestic workers among 75 confirmed dead in Tai Po fire

 

Edwina Antonio of Bethune House mans the help desk for migrant workers
set up on a podium opposite the fire-stricken estate 

At least two Indonesian domestic workers are among the 75 people confirmed to have died in the fire that swept through seven residential buildings in Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on Wednesday,  Nov. 26, while two others were injured.

The news was released by the Indonesian Consulate General earlier today, Thursday. The Consulate said it continues to coordinate with the Hong Kong Police Force in ensuring the safety of its nationals affected by the tragedy.

In a statement released Thursday night, the Labour Department extended sympathy to the families and employers of foreign domestic helpers who lost their lives in the fire. 

DETAILS HERE

The statement said affected FDH employers and FDHs wiht enquiries regarding employment matters may call a dedicated hotline set up for this incident: 3582 8987 for FDH-related matters, or 2929 4054.

Latest reports said the number of those injured had also risen to 76, including 11 firefighters. One other firefighter was among those who passed on yesterday after sustaining injuries while battling the blaze.

Around 200 other people remain missing from the the worst fire to have hit Hong Kong in modern times. Reports from the scene said the blaze had been largely put out though small fires could still be seen in the upper floors of three buildings in the estate.

Basahin ang detalye!

Authorities said three people from the construction firm that had been carrying out renovation work at the estate since July last year have been detained on manslaughter charges. Initial investigations reportedly revealed that substandard and highly flammable materials were used in the renovation.  

Data taking from some migrant workers affected by the inferno

Reports coming from Manila said the Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong had reported that between 70 and 80 Filipino domestic workers were employed in households affected by the Wang Fung Court fire.

Of these, 22 have been located in various shelters set up to accommodate the victims of the fire, and were provided with care kits and assistance  

However, they have yet to receive a report of any casualty among the workers, except for one who was taken to hospital with her employer and baby ward.

The worker, Rhodora Alcaraz Tunacao, had alerted the Filipino community to their plight in an audio message she sent to a friend on Facebook.

She was initially confined in the ICU because of smoke inhalation but is now said to be in stable condition.  

In a statement released last night, the Department of Foreign Affairs through the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, said that they had not received any confirmed reports of Filipinos being killed in the Maximum Level 5 fire.

“However, the Consulate received unverified information that some Filipino domestic workers may be trapped inside the buildings. The Consulate immediately passed on this information to authorities.”

Several Filipino groups and organizations, along with officers of the Consulate, the MWO and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration had gone to the affected areas to check on the condition of the affected migrant workers.

They distributed relief packs to Filipino migrant workers who live in the area and went looking for those who might need help.

In an interview with Philippine media, OWWA Admnistrator PY Caunan said 19 workers had sought help, mainly with getting duplicate copies of their passport, contracts and other documents that were lost in the fire.

The Mission for Migrant Workers and its shelter, the Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge, set up a desk on a podium across the estate to assist migrant domestic workers who need help, and provide them with relief goods.

Bethune House executive director Edwina Antonio who was one of those who manned the help desk said people who were giving away relief goods to those affected by the fire left some items with them for distribution to migrant workers.

Antonio said they had spoken with a Filipino migrant worker who told them that her friend had sought refuge in a temporary shelter provided by the Hong Kong government. She reportedly told the volunteers that she saw 22 other Filipinas in the shelter.

 

 

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—

Basahin ang detalye!

“(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.

 

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.

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.

13 overstayers among 45 people arrested in illegal work sweep

 

The week-long operation netted one of the biggest groups of illegal workers

Thirteen overstaying former domestic helpers and one who came in as tourist were among 45 people arrested in the latest anti-illegal work operations by the Immigration Department.

An Immigration Department statement said that in one of their joint operations with the Labour Department, it was discovered that FDHs whose contracts were prematurely terminated had been overstaying while taking up illegal employment.

“After a thorough investigation and intelligence analysis, the ImmD successfully identified and raided multiple target locations, including restaurants and food production plants,” said the statement.

DETAILS HERE

Independent media reports said most of those arrested were from Indonesia.

The week-long operation from Nov 14 to 20 netted a total of 33 suspected illegal workers, 10 employers and two non-FDH overstayers. The round-ups were conducted with help from the Labour Department and the police.

According to Immigration, in the first batch of raids, those arrested on suspicion of illegally taking up jobs comprised one man and 23 women who were found working as dishwashers, cleaners and kitchen workers.

One of the suspects is caught in the act during a restaurant raid

The suspected illegal workers comprised one man and 23 women, aged 22 to 52. Apart from the 15 overstaying ex-FDHs, 10 others held recognizance forms, which prohibit them from taking any employment taking any employment in Hong Kong.

In separate covert operations that targeted multiple locations like massage parlours, renovation flats and retail stores, nine suspected illegal workers comprising seven men and two women aged 37 to 60 were arrested. Two men and one woman in the group were found to possess fake HK identity cards.

Also taken in for questioning were two local female residents aged 52 and 65, who were suspected of having employed the illegal workers.

Basahin ang detalye!

Immigration said an investigation into the suspected illegal employers in ongoing, and further arrests cannot be ruled out.

Under the Immigration Ordinance, those who violate their visa conditions by taking up unauthorized work can be jailed for up to two years and fined a maximum of 500,000. The jail term extends to three years in cases where the offender is an overstayer, illegal immigrant, or subject to deportation.

Employers of illegal workers face a maximum penalty of P100,000 fine and up to 10 years in jail.

An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.