OFWs share fears after sharing HKID details with stranger

Filipina who took down the FDWs' HKID numbers is often seen at Exchange Square in Central (Wikipedia photo)

Three newly arrived foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong are now beset with worry, because in a moment of blind trust, they shared their HKID card numbers with a fellow Filipina they met on the street, and who initially offered to broker loans for them.

The three said no to the loan, but did not hesitate to flash out their HKID cards so the woman could take note of their numbers.

But after being told later that this was foolhardy if not dangerous as scammers could use their HKID cards to commit crimes like money laundering, the three became anxious.

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“Nababahala po ako, baka hindi gamitin sa hindi maganda. Hindi na po ako nagtatrabaho ng maayos at gusto ko nang umuwi. Natatakot po ako talaga, first time kong mangibang bansa,” said Dina (not her real name), one of the three who sought help from The SUN. (I am truly worried because my HKID card could be used for something illegal. I can no longer work properly and am thinking of going home. I am really scared, this is my first time to go abroad).

Luckily, her employer understood her predicament, and immediately took her to the police to declare her ID as “lost.”

Told that she could have just told the police the truth and given them the name card of the woman who inappropriately took down their identity numbers, Dina said her employer was the one who advised her that reporting the HKID as lost was the best solution to her dilemma.

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“Una po pumunta kami ng police. Nag report kami. Pero mga ilang araw lang gusto ko na talaga umuwi at natatakot akong makulong. Sabi ng amo ko magpa lost ID na lang daw ako.” (First we went to the police to file a report. But after only a few days I wanted to just go home because I’m afraid I would get jailed. My employer said I should just report my HKID card as missing).

Dina has since reported the matter to the Philippine Migrant Workers Office and was relieved when told that she did the right thing by going to the police immediately. 

Both the Philippine Consulate and the MWO have long reminded FDWs not to ever surrender control of their bank accounts or their HKIDs to avoid getting entangled with money laundering syndicates.

Dina shared the woman’s name card which bore the name of one of the biggest financing companies in Hong Kong, as well as the name “Juliet” and two phone numbers stamped on it.

Told about this, two other Filipinas who are in a group chat of illegal recruitment victims said they had also encountered “Juliet” about two to three years ago and described her as a sweet talker who often hangs out by the carabao statue near the Exchange Square building.

They said that after winning their trust by giving them her name card, she would then get their personal details, including their phone numbers.

“Tawag nang tawag sa akin,” said Cely (not her real name). “May time pa na sinabi sa akin na naka ready na ang pera ko for pickup. Sabi ko, excuse me po di ko need ng pera at ayaw ko ng utang.” (She used to call all the time. There was even one time when she said my loaned money was ready for pick. I replied with, excuse me but I don’t need money and I don’t like loans.”

On hindsight, they realize they should not even have given the woman their phone numbers.

Based on a number of recent cases involving money laundering, this would have been the most prudent way for everyone, especially FDWs, to avoid getting scammed.

As early as December 2023, the MWO had already warned FDWs against lending their HKIDs to avoid falling into the money laundering trap.

That followed the arrests of 14 FDWs who had been tricked into “lending” their HKID cards to people they hardly knew for a measly sum of between $200 and $500. After taking over their identities, syndicate members proceeded to launder millions of dollars using the bank accounts they opened in the helpers’ names.

In all these cases, the FDWs were the ones who were arrested, hauled in court and meted jail terms. The bigger perpetrators – the ones who did the actual money laundering – were not even identified.

 

165 people arrested in month-long illegal work sweep

A big percentage of those arrested were from the Mainland

The Immigration Department said on Friday that its anti-illegal work operations that lasted for a month and a half had led to the arrest of a total of 165 individuals, including suspected illegal workers, employers and abettors.

The operations that were carried out from July 2 to August 14 focused on certain sectors that have severe manpower problems, like renovation, catering, logistics and cleansing.

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Those arrested comprised 109 suspected illegal workers, 54 employers and two aiders and abettors

A big majority of the workers were from the mainland, totaling 74, while the remaining 35 were all non-ethnic Chinese. Seven of them were found to possess forged HK ID cards.

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They were mostly working as dishwashers, kitchen workers, waiters, waitresses, food delivery riders, renovation workers, cleaners and logistics workers. They were aged between 19 and 56.

Of those suspected of hiring them or abetting their employment, 54 were Hong Kong residents while one was a mainlander.

Illegal male workers are led away by Immigration agents

Since the arrests, 61 have been prosecuted for violating Immigration laws, including overstaying, using a forged HKID card, and taking employment while an illegal immigrant, is subject to a removal or deportation order.

Maximum prison terms for illegal employment is 10 years if a forged HKID card was involved, and fine of up to $50,000.

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Employers are punished more severely, with the fine reaching up to $500,000 plus 10 years in prison.

(If illegal activities are suspected, call Immigration’s dedicated hotline (2824 1551), email (anti_crime@immd.gov.hk) and online reporting platform (www.immd.gov.hk/eng/online-services/) to report illegal employment activities.)

 

 

Podul begins to dissipate; more rains, thunderstorms seen

 

Podul as tracked by the HK Observatory

Tropical Storm Podul has begun dissipating as it moves deeper into central China, but the southwest monsoon rains it brought will continue to be felt in Hong Kong well into next week, according to forecasts from the Hong Kong Observatory.

“Tropical Storm Podul has weakened into a tropical depression,” the Observatory reported this afternoon.

The Observatory also hauled down both Storm Signal 1 and the Black Rainstorm Warning, which today closed most government and private offices, as well as schools.

Aside from localized flooding in low areas, the rains and thunderstorms brought by Podul resulted in five flights being cancelled and 145 others delayed. The canceled flights were destined for Manila, Beijing, Miyako, Osaka and Taipei.

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The storm also disrupted events such as the the 35th edition of the Food Expo and several other trade shows at the HK Convention Center in Wanchai.

 “Locally, showers in the afternoon brought around 30 millimeters of rainfall to many places, and rainfall even exceeded 50 millimeters over Lantau Island and Kwai Tsing District,” the Observatory said.

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Overall, however, the storm barely caused damage as it passed to within 300 kilometers north of the city at about 2pm.

 “At 4 p.m., Podul was centered about 220 kilometers north-northeast of Guangzhou. It is forecast to move west-northwest at about 28 kilometers per hour across the northern part of Guangdong, moving into central China and weakening further,” it added.

The Observatory forecast that Podul will dissipate gradually over central China tomorrow.

China-bound DHs among 38 Pinoys rescued from boat off Zamboanga

 

The rescued Filipinos were found inside this cramped boat headed out to sea

Four Filipinos recruited to work illegally in China as domestic helpers were among 38 Filipinos rescued by anti-human trafficking operatives aboard a wooden-hulled cargo vessel off Zamboanga City on August 8.

According to a Department of Migrant Workers’ Facebook post, eight of those rescued were all females, and were in possession of valid Philippine passports with tourist visas to China.\

Four of them said they were recruited to work as domestic helpers in China, with a promise that they would be paid 10,000 RMB (Php79,000) each monthly. They all had been previously offloaded or barred from leaving by Philippine immigration authorities.

The four others said they were bound for Malaysia, and were meant to travel using undocumented sea routes.

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The other passengers on the cramped boat who were identified as victims of suspected human trafficking and illegal recruitment were 14 males (12 adults and 2 minors) and 16 females (22 adults and 2 minors).

The DMW statement did not disclose where the other passengers were headed.

The wooden boat at the wharf where 3 facilitators of the human trafficking were arrested

Three individuals arrested on the wharf were identified by the victims as the facilitators of the illegal recruitment and transport. They remain in custody while appropriate charges are being readied against them.

Further investigation is being carried out to identify and arrest other possible co-conspirators.

At least four of the rescued individuals have reportedly expressed willingness to testify against the recruiters and facilitators with support from the Women and Children Protection Center.

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Following the rescue, all victims were transported to the PDCP Facility in Barangay Mampang, Zamboanga City, where they were given temporary shelter, food and medical attention with psychological intervention through the efforts of the Department of Social Welfare in the region.

The victims were also given orientation on safe migration practices and on the government assistance programs they can avail of moving forward.

The boat they were on was identified as ML  J-Sayang. It was boarded by law enforcers at Taha Wharf in Baliwasan, Zamboanga City and was said to be bound for Taganak Island, from where the victims were to be moved through unauthorized channels for overseas employment.

The rescue operation was carried out through the combined efforts of the Zamboanga Sea-based Anti-Trafficking Task Force, of which the Department of Migrant Workers Regional Office IX is a member.

Several other government agencies including the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency and the Philippine Coast Guard had a hand in the operation.

Signal 1 up; Podul nearing HK but weakening

 

Podul tracking by HK Observatory

The Hong Kong Observatory raised Signal No. 1 today as Typhoon Podul (known as Typhoon Gorio when it was in the Philippines until this morning) slammed into Southern Taiwan and is due to hit the shores of Fujian tonight.

The typhoon would have weakened considerably by noon tomorrow, when it would be nearest to Hong Kong at less than 250 kilometers north northeast, as it continues its northwesterly sweep through Fujian and Guangdong.

After its landfall in southern Fujian tonight, the present forecast track sees Podul moving across Guangdong and weakening progressively.

The observatory said it will reassess the situation by tomorrow morning.

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“The Standby Signal will remain in force at least until 6 a.m. tomorrow. Depending on the weakening rate of Podul, its distance from the Pearl River Estuary and the change in local winds, the Observatory will assess the need to issue the Strong Wind Signal, No. 3 later tomorrow morning,” the Observatpry said

“Locally, there will be heavy squally showers and thunderstorms tomorrow. Showers will be more frequent in some areas at first.” the Observatory said.

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“Members of the public are advised to take note of the latest weather information and warnings issued by the Observatory tomorrow morning, consider road conditions before leaving home, and be on the alert for possible danger brought by heavy rain.” it added.

The Observatory forecast heavy squally showers and thunderstorms tomorrow. Showers will be more frequent in some areas at first.

“Members of the public are advised to take note of the latest weather information and warnings issued by the Observatory tomorrow morning, consider road conditions before leaving home, and be on the alert for possible danger brought by heavy rain,” it said.

 

Philippines takes part in HK Food Expo

 

Four companies, along with a university and a government agency based in the Philippines are taking part in the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Food Expo PRO, to be held from tomorrow, Aug 14 to 16, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).\

Each will be provided a booth at the Philippine Pavilion, located at 5E‑B20 & B22 in Hall 5E of the HKCEC, where they will showcase a variety of Philippine products, including coffee, tropical fruits, craft beer, and calamansi‑based processed foods.

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Their participation is made possible by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center representative at the Philippine Consulate, Vice Consul Robert Mabalot.

The participating Philippine companies and groups are: Engkanto Beer, a craft beer brand known for its award-winning beers; Empereur Farms PC, a small-scale Arabica coffee farm based in Tuba, Benguet; Raspina Tropical Fruits Inc, a company engaged in the export of fresh tropical fruits grown in Mindanao; McNester Food Products, a company based in Guimaras, Iloilo which produces mango and calamansi-based processed foods; Mountain Province State University and the Department of Trade and Industry in Baguio, Benguet.

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If you are based in Hong Kong and wish to visit the Philippine Pavilion in person, please register for your badge here: https://shorturl.at/CS784.

 

New chikungunya case brings HK total to 6

 

Graphic from Centre for Health Protection

A new case of chikungunya fever (CF) was reported today, bringing the total number of cases in Hong Kong to six, all of them imported, and one probable case, according to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP).

The report came with a reminder for the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene and to take personal protective measures against mosquito bites, both locally and when travelling outside Hong Kong.

“Those who suspect they may be infected with CF should seek medical advice promptly and avoid self-testing, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment,” the CHP said.

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The CHP controller, Dr. Edwin Tsui, urged the public not to self-medicate, particularly with aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), as these drugs may cause serious side effects, for example, increasing the risk of hemorrhage or internal bleeding.

“In general, children should not take medications containing aspirin to relieve fever or other symptoms because it may lead to ‘Reye's syndrome’, a serious and potentially fatal complication,” he added.

The CHP said the new case involves a 31-year-old male with good past health who lives in Kwai Tsing District. Preliminary investigations revealed that he travelled to Foshan in Guangdong Province from August 1 to 3. He could not confirm whether he had a history of mosquito bites.

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“Upon returning to Hong Kong, he developed a fever, rash and joint pain on August 8. He travelled to Shenzhen on August 9 and attended a hospital there the next day. He was not admitted and returned to Hong Kong on the same day. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Yan Chai Hospital yesterday (August 11) and was admitted for treatment in a mosquito-free environment. He is currently in stable condition. His blood sample tested positive for the CF virus,” the CHP report said.

"According to information from the Guangdong Provincial Disease Control and Prevention Administration, in the past week (August 3 to 9), there were 1 387 new CF cases in Guangdong, a significant decrease compared to the previous two weeks, which reported 2 892 cases (July 27 to August 2) and 2 940 cases (July 20 to 26) respectively. All the cases were mild, with no severe or fatal cases reported. However, we must remain vigilant and continue to adopt a multipronged approach to prevent local transmission," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.

To strengthen support for ethnic minority communities, essential information on CF has also been translated into 10 ethnic minority languages (including Hindi, Nepali, Urdu, Thai, Bahasa Indonesia, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Punjabi, Sinhala and Bengali) and uploaded to the CHP website (https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/static/104022.html).

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems.

17 people rescued after Ocean Park ride stalls in mid-air

 

The Wild Twister in operation (Ocean Park photo)

Firefighters rescued 17 people trapped for  an hour and 45 minutes after Ocean Park’s “Wild Twister” ride suddenly stopped earlier this evening.

Ocean Park said the thrill ride experienced a fault signal at 6:20pm, triggering a safety brake system.

Everyone aboard was left suspended in mid-air while the park’s staff frantically called police for help. Fire engines and ambulances were immediately sent to the scene.

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Firemen began getting people off the ride at 7:37pm. It took them another 30 minutes, or until 8:07pm, to pluck all 17 people aboard to safety.

Reports on site said the trapped people remained calm throughout their ordeal and no one was injured.

Ocean Park said the ride will undergo tests and an overhaul.

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The “Wild Twister” has six extended arms where passengers are seated, and they each swing and spin on separate axes during the ride.

Illegal work: Pinoy jailed 54 days, Indonesian freed

 

Two domestic helpers, one a Filipino and the other an Indonesian, appeared at Shatin Court today, both charged in separate cases with breach of condition of stay by working illegally. One later walked free and the other ended up in jail.

The Filipino, Francisco Castllio Jr., 41 years old, was sentenced to 54 days’ imprisonment for doing odd jobs, “other than approved by the Director of Immigration,” when he was arrested on Feb 5, 2024 in Sai Ying Pun.

Castillo was granted permission on Aug. 30, 2023 to remain in Hong Kong for employment as a domestic helper, with a condition of stay requiring him to work exclusively for the employer named in his work contract, in their home address.

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He pleaded guilty to the charge before Acting Principal Magistrate Cheang Kei-hong.

In the case of Indonesian DH Nina-Agustin, the prosecution proposed a bind-over agreement under which she promises not to reoffend in the next 18 months,  otherwise she will be fined $2,000.

When she agreed to be bound over, the charge against her – breach of condition of stay by performing odd jobs in Mongkok on Feb 8 this year – was withdrawn.

Instead, Magistrate Cheang charged her $500 for court costs, which was taken from her bail money of the same amount.

Overstayers lead to more arrests

 

4 women were among those arrested for working illegally in the logistics warehouse

Immigration officers have arrested a number of suspected illegal workers hired by a logistics company during a covert operation yesterday, August 6, after two overstayers were arrested in an earlier operation.

Together with the previously arrested overstayers, a total of 12 suspected illegal workers and two employers were arrested in the logistics warehouse in Yuen Long.

The arrested illegal workers comprised eight men and four women, aged 24 to 53.

They were all suspected of engaging in various logistics tasks, including handling, packaging, and unloading goods at the warehouse.

Also arrested were two male Hong Kong residents, aged 46 and 50, who were alleged to have hired the illegal workers.

Immigration said in a statement that after the arrests of the two overstayers, investigators suspected that they had engaged in illegal work during their stay in Hong Kong. The investigators decided to do more in-depth analysis and uncovered the Yuen Long warehouse.

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The arrested illegal workers included three men who had fake HKID cards, as well as a woman who was carrying somebody else’s identification card.

Immigration reiterated that illegal work is a serious offence in Hong Kong. Tourists are not allowed to take up employment, paid or unpaid; while foreign domestic workers are allowed to only perform domestic duties.

Offenders face a maximum penalty of $50,000 and imprisonment for up to two years.

Overstayers and those holding recognizance papers are punished more severely, with the maximum penalty being imprisonment for up to three years.

Possession or use of fake HKID cards, or those belonging to another person, is punished with up to 10 years in jail and a fine of $100,000.

Employers of illegal workers face the harshest penalty of up to $500,000 in fines and 10 years in jail.

Immigration said its investigation is continuing, and further arrests are likely.

 

 

Pinoy jailed 2 years for drugs, contraband found in his luggage

 

Macau Ferry Terminal (Google Maps photo)

A Filipino intercepted by Customs officers at the Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan, was jailed today for a total of two years, two months and five days and fined $200 after he pleaded guilty at the District Court to four charges, including drug trafficking. 

Domingo Nunag, a 58-year-old Chinese citizen who requested a Tagalog interpreter in court, has been detained since he was arrested on May 17 last year. He was denied bail at Eastern Court where his case was initially heard, until it was elevated to the District Court.

Customs officers arrested Nunag at the Customs Hall of the Macau Ferry Terminal on his arrival from Macau last May 17 after they found in his possession 2.47 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu or ice) contained in four ziploc plastic bags.

He pleaded guilty to the charge of trafficking in dangerous drugs, in violation of Section 4 (1)(a) and (3) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, and was sentenced by Judge Isaac Tam to two years and two months in Jail.

After a sildenafil (Viagra) tablet was found in his possession, Nunag was also charged wth violating the Phamacy and Poisons Ordinance, for which he was jailed for 10 days, from which Judge Tam took three days to add to the first sentence.

His third conviction came after he pleaded guilty to importing goods to which Section 17(6) of the Dutiable Goods Ordinance applies.

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Customs officers had found a two-liter bottle of whisky and 40 pieces of dutiable cigarettes in his luggage. For this, Judge Tam jailed him for eight days, two of whch will be added to the first sentence.

Since he did not declare these two items upon arrival, he was also slapped with a charge of failing to declare them to a member of the Customs and Excise Service, also in violation of the Dutiable Goods Ordinance, for which he was fined $200.

18 illegal workers arrested in raids that targeted FDHs

 

Immigration shows off fake documents used to obtain visas for the illegal workers

A four-day operation by the Immigration Department that specifically targeted foreign domestic workers doing illegal work has led to the arrest of 24 people, 18 of them illegal workers and six employers.

The operation which was carried out from August 2 to 5, led to the arrest of 14 women and four men aged 19 to 54, which reports said were predominantly from the Philippines and Indonesia.

Six Hong Kong residents aged 38 to 49, were also arrested for employing the workers or managing the businesses involved.

Among the arrested workers, three held current work contracts, six were overstayers, three came to Hong Kong on visitor visas, five held recognizance forms which signify their application for asylum, and one was an imported worker.

Investigators said most of the suspected illegal workers were doing various jobs, including dishwashing, cooking, and waiting on customers. They were paid in cash, earning between $200 and $500 each day.

Those arrested mostly worked in restaurants

In some of these cases, the employers and the helpers colluded to submit fake addresses, income proofs and employment contracts. After obtaining FDH visas, the employers made them to work as cooks or servers in restaurants.

There were also some who ended up working at unlicensed guesthouses operated by their employers, instead of the address indicated in their work contracts. They also did not do household work as stipulated in their contracts.

The operation covered 66 locations including restaurants, retail shops, guest houses, commercial buildings and residential units.

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The Immigration Department warned that helpers are only permitted to perform domestic duties at their employers’ residence as specified in their employment contracts.

FDHs found working illegally can be jailed for up to two years, and fined a maximum of $50,000.

Employers face more severe penalties, with a maximum jail term of 10 years and fines of up to $500,000. Company directors may also be prosecuted.

Both could also be held liable for making false statements, an offence which carries a maximum jail term of 14 years, and fines of up to $150,000.

Immigration said an investigation is continuing, with the possibility of further arrests.