Filipina charged with stealing HK$400k worth of jewelry, cash

 

The alleged theft is said to have happened in this estate

A Filipina domestic worker arrested on Monday on suspicion of stealing jewelry and cash reportedly worth around HK$400,000 was charged with one count of theft when she appeared at Eastern Court today, Wednesday.

Rona Jean N. Lagat, 33, was informed of the charges against her but was not asked to enter a plea.

According to the charge, Lagat stole a number of jewelry and cash from her employer’s flat at Fullview Court, Fortress Garden, between June 15 and October 12 this year.

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She is accused of stealing JPY80,000 (around HK$4,000), two gold bracelets, one green gemstone ring, one sapphire necklace, one Cartier watch, one pair of diamond earrings and one gold necklace, the property of Irene Wong Shin-ling.

The prosecution asked the case to be adjourned to December 9 for further investigation, and said any bail application would be opposed.

The defense lawyer said they had no instruction to apply for bail for Lagat.

Eastern Chief Magistrate So Wai-tak ordered Lagat to be remanded in jail until the next hearing of the case, but set down a bail review on October 22.

In the same court, a Filipina asylum seeker was charged with two counts of stealing Octopus cards, but no mention was made of her using the cards to the detriment of another person.

Aurora B. Delfin, 39, was charged of stealing the two Octopus cards between June 15 and October 12 this year, “somewhere” in North Point. One of the cards was said to be owned by a local female resident, but the owner of the second card was not identified.

The prosecution said it would oppose any bail application, as Delfin still had an outstanding commitment to repay someone, which she had yet to comply with.

Magistrate So noted that the amount involved was HK$934.40, which Delfin was ordered to repay last year. He gave Delfin 14 days to settle this obligation, or she would have to spend time in jail in lieu.

The magistrate ordered Delfin remanded in jail until the next hearing date of December 12.

 

 

 

HK labor chief rules out trial period for FDHs

 

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun (source: Dotdot News)

The Hong Kong government does not intend to amend laws or policies regarding foreign domestic helpers, particularly on imposing a trial or probation period, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun told the Legislative Council today.

Secretary Sun was answering a question by Legislator Tommy Chung regarding the lack of flexibility in the existing Standard Employment Contract (SEC) and supporting policies, which he said causes problems for employers of FDHs.

Sun said, “The Government attaches great importance to the reasonable rights and interests of both foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) and employers, and is committed to balancing the concerns and interests of both parties, while maintaining Hong Kong as an attractive work destination for a sufficient number of FDHs, so as to meet the community's increasing domestic care needs."

Chung had asked whether the government will study introducing a statutory probation period (two to three months) in FDH employment contracts, during which employers will provide free transportation but FDHs will pay for their airfares in proportion to their length of service, and agency fees for re-hiring will be limited.

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Sun replied that under present rules, employers may terminate contracts in accordance with the Employment Ordinance and the terms of the Standard Employment Contract (SEC). “The Government considers that there is no need to introduce into the SEC an additional provision prescribing a probationary period,” he said.

Chung also asked whether it will formulate, in collaboration with the Equal Opportunities Commission, guidelines on contract termination where FDHs are unable to perform duties due to serious illness or other reasons.

But Sun said that under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance, it is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against or dismiss an employee on the ground of disability.

“Nevertheless,” he added, “an exception may apply if the employer can present objective evidence to prove that the employee concerned is unable to perform the inherent requirements of the job due to the employee's disability.”

Finally, Chung asked whether government will amend the legislation to stipulate that FDHs who are dismissed upon conviction for criminal offences will immediately forfeit their eligibility to any statutory compensation, payment in lieu of notice and passage allowance, while the Immigration Department will also prohibit them from coming to Hong Kong to work again.

Sun said that is already allowed under current laws.

For example, if an FDH is guilty of fraud or dishonesty, where he/she is convicted by the court of stealing property from the employer's home, “the EO currently already provides that the employer may summarily dismiss the FDH without notice or payment in lieu of notice,” he said.  

However, he added that the employer is still required to provide the FDH with return passage to his/her place of origin. “This arrangement is one of the necessary conditions for allowing employers to recruit domestic helpers from overseas to work in Hong Kong, and is intended to ensure that FDHs who come to Hong Kong will not be left stranded in Hong Kong due to a lack of means for travel,” he said.

If an FDH has any adverse record or has committed any breach, the Immigration Department will normally refuse his/her application, he added.

Indonesian helper arrested for murder after death of 93-year-old ward

 

Entrance to Tak Long Estate (Google photo)

Hong Kong police have arrested an Indonesian domestic helper suspected of killing her 93-year-old employer after video footage emerged of the helper repeatedly assaulting the elderly woman minutes before her death.

Police said in a press briefing that the elderly woman who was widowed and childless, was found unconscious Sunday morning in her one-room flat in Long Yiu House at Tak Long Estate in Ngau Tau Kok.

The 52-year-old helper hired more than three years ago to provide round-the-clock care to the woman had sought help from the building security staff at about 8:20am that day, saying her employer was unresponsive.

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Paramedics who were called to the flat performed emergency treatment on the woman at the scene, before rushing her to the hospital where she was pronounced dead at 9:12am.

The death initially did not raise an alarm as no obvious fatal injuries were found on the woman, and there were no signs of a struggle or ransacking of the flat.

But police said that a random check by the woman’s relatives of the CCTV installed in the flat showed the helper repeatedly assaulting the woman between 8:03am and 8:10am on Sunday.

The suspect allegedly hit the woman by hand about 20 times on the head, face and neck. She was also seen stepping on the woman’s abdomen while handling her body in a rough and violent manner.

Shortly after the last assault, the woman was seen lying motionless on her bed.

Police arrested the helper at about 3:50am earlier today, Monday, on suspicion of murder.

A preliminary examination by a forensic pathologist reportedly showed bruises on the woman’s chest, lower and right side of the abdomen and right jaw, as well as cuts on the left side of her neck.

The exact cause of death is expected to be established following an autopsy and further forensic tests.

Older footage from the security camera reportedly showed the helper assaulting the woman daily over the past two weeks.

“Footage gathered by police shows that there were intermittent minor assaults daily in the past half a month or so,” said a police officer at the briefing.

The police said a friction had developed between the helper and her bedridden employer over time due to overwork.

The Social Welfare Department reportedly made regular visits to the deceased, and individual relatives visited about once a month.

According to the police the woman’s husband died more than three decades ago due to an illness. She was herself diagnosed with colorectal cancer 17 years ago, and about two years ago, suffered a stroke.

In addition, she had a history of chronic illnesses, including hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol, requiring long-term medication and regular medical check-ups.

Relatives arranged to hire the helper to care for her starting in January 2023.

The District Crime Squad of Sau Mau Ping District is investigating the case. Anyone who has any information to offer in relation the incident is urged to contact the investigating officers at telephone number 3661 6236.

 

Filipina DH accused of forging air ticket receipt

 

Kowloon City Court

A Filipina domestic helper appeared in Kowloon City Court on Thursday, charged with forging a flight ticket receipt with intent to defraud a local resident, Li Ka Yee Carri.

Reschel Ann A. Ojano, 37 years old, has been detained after the alleged offence on Sept 23, 2026.

DETAILS HERE

Ojano is charged with taking a screen capture of the ticket receipt, and then presenting it to Li, with the intention of inducing her to accept it as a genuine.

In the process, Ojano was said to have caused prejudice to Li.

Basahin ang detalye!

No details were revealed in court, but Ojano was asked if she intended to apply for bail. When she said no, Deputy Principal Magistrate ordered her returned to custody until the next hearing of the case on November 11 for mention.

Pinay who mistakenly texted employer about theft jailed 10 months

 

The theft took place in one of the flats in Laguna Verde (Google Maps photo)

A domestic helper who mistakenly sent a text message to her employer confessing that she stole $110,500 worth of the latter’s jewelry and cash, was jailed for 10 months on Thursday after she pleaded guilty to theft at Kowloon City Court.

According to the case brief read out in court, 37-year-old Ciavy Jean Daniega had meant to send the text message to a friend, but instead passed it on her employer, who called the police.

In sentencing, Acting Principal Magistrate Cheng Lim-chi told Deniega that what she had done was serious as it involved a breach of trust, and the amount involved was substantial. He set a starting point of one year and three months' jail in sentencing, but reduced it by one third because of the  guilty plea.

Deniega was charged with violating section 9 of the Theft Ordinance by stealing five gold pellets, two gold bracelets, four necklaces, one gold necklace, one gold ring, and cash of $10,200, with a total value of $110,500, from her employer, Shelby Lily Yu. 

DETAILS HERE

The theft took place between April 4 and June 3, 2026, in the employer’s flat at Tower 11, Laguna Verde, 8 Laguna Verde Avenue, Hung Hom, Kowloon. Deniega had been working for the employer for just over a year at the time.

According to the case brief, the jewels were kept inside a drawer and a bookshelf which were both unlocked, inside the flat's master bedroom.

After her employer called the police, four pawnshop receipts and the boxes that held the jewelry were found inside the helper's room.

The employer, through her lawyer, asked the court for a return of the HK$10,200 cash that was stolen along with the jewelry, but the defense lawyer said Deniega did not have the money to pay.

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In mitigation, her lawyer said financial pressures, such as finding money for medical expenses for her sick elderly mother and a son who has urinary tract infection, forced her to steal. Paying off loans meant she could send only half her salary each month to her family.

The lawyer asked for a lenient sentence, saying Deniega wants to go back home as soon as possible to reunite with her ailing mother and son.

Deniega arrived in Hong Kong in 2015.

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.

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“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.

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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.

Longtime Bayanihan admin Tess Ubamos passes on at 66

 

Hong Kong Bayanihan Center’s longtime administrator, Teresita “Tess” Ibañez-Ubamos, passed on after a lingering illness on September 25. She would have turned 67 on October 3 this year.

She is survived by her husband Ed, children Odessa, Rocky and Michael, and granddaughters Kisha and Kaitlyn.

Tess, as she was known to many, had managed the day-to-day operations of the Bayanihan Center in Kennedy Town since 2004, when it became the site for the first overseas voting for Filipinos in Hong Kong.

DETAILS HERE

She continued overseeing the massive operations involved in administering the manual casting and counting of ballots for the overseas vote every three years, until the switch to automated voting in 2022.

In her role as administrator of the six-floor Bayanihan Center, Tess became fast friends with many Filipino community leaders, as well as the hundreds of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who have done volunteer work, or have taken part in various events at the activities and training hub over the years.

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Officers of the Philippine Consulate and its attached agencies have also heaped praises on her, for having ably managed the center through more than two decades and thousands of events and training activities, despite its tight budget.

The Ubamos family at Bayanihan Center

Among the first to extend their condolences was the Bootstrap Theatre Hong Kong, which paid tribute to Tess’ generosity in providing them a venue for their rehearsals for their debut play last year, and for an intensive acting workshop they provided to OFWs.

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association Hong Kong, which has held some of its activities at the center, including the grand oath taking of its officers in March last year, has also expressed regret.

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“Tess was a true pillar of our community, a dedicated leader, and a wonderful friend who touched so many of our lives with her kindness and warmth,” said UPAA-HK’s president, Catherine Marsden.

Longtime residents who, like Tess and her family, have played an active role in the various activities of the Filipino Catholic community in Hong Kong, have also expressed sadness at her passing.

In an emotional Facebook post addressed to the Ubamos family, tech executive Jun Sison said, “We would like to embrace and comfort you - all of you - at this very moment, but we do understand that, for now, we can only offer prayers, yes - tears of empathy, and words of consolation hoping our deep sentiments, thoughts and words may even ever so slightly ease the pain you now feel in your hearts.”

Details of the funeral service for Tess have yet to be announced.

HK cracks down on hawking at FDH haunts

 

Various clothing items seized during the FEHD-led operations

After a few weeks of information campaign and warnings, officers from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department have stepped up enforcement actions against unlicensed hawking and illegal obstruction in places where foreign domestic workers gather on their days off.

A total of nine persons were arrested during two successive Sunday of operations, eight of them foreigners and one Chinese man, aged 30 to 55. Two of them held recognizance forms, indicating their status as asylum seekers, while one had a mainland travel permit.

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Seized during the operations, according to a government press release, were 1.5 tons of good, including cooked food in takeaway boxes, clothes, shoes, handbags and cosmetics.

Reports shared on Facebook showed that among the places targeted were the grounds surrounding the HSBC headquarters in Central, where various goods are routinely peddled, mostly by Filipinos as well as Indians.

Food and drinks seized from unlicensed hawkers

But photos of the food seized indicated they could have come most likely from Victoria Park, where Indonesians are known to freely sell or even cook their native dishes.

The government statement said relevant government departments have been notified about the arrest of persons suspected of breaching their conditions of stay, so follow-up actions may be taken as appropriate.

MWO staff Danny Baldon joins information campaign against illegal work, hawking

In the past two weekends, FEHD officers have teamed up with staff of relevant consulates-general in Hong Kong to distribute leaflets warning against illegal work, unlicensed hawking and obstruction of passageways, as well as environmental hygiene and food safety precautions.

The teams went to known FDW haunts and reminded migrant workers that unlicensed hawking is illegal, and to appeal to them not to patronize illegal hawkers.   

Under Hong Kong laws, unlicensed hawking is punishable with up to HK$10,000 in fines and six months’ imprisonment.   

If unlicensed hawking activities also cause obstruction of passageways, the maximum fine prescribed is HK$25,000 or imprisonment for three months.

In addition, anyone who is found selling restricted food (specifically frozen meat, sushi and sashimi) could be fined up to HK$50,000 and jailed for up to six months.

If the hawker is a foreign domestic worker, an additional charge of breaching the condition of stay could be levied. Employers are advised to remind their helpers to abide by the law, and not sell food items that may compromise environmental hygiene.

Anyone who knows of any unlicensed hawking activities may report the same to the FEHD.

 

 

Imported carers can earn 10-20% more than FDHs, says labor chief

 

FDHs who wish to become carers will have to go home first and get trained, says Sun

Foreign workers who will be allowed to enter Hong Kong from next year to look after elderly people staying at home can expect salaries that are 10 to 20 percent more than the current minimum allowable wage of $5,100 for foreign domestic helpers.

Secretary for Labor and Welfare Chris Sun said this in a press conference on Friday, but did not give an exact salary range for the foreign domestic carers.

But he said only those with advanced training and experience in elderly care will be hired under the pilot scheme, which will be modeled on the existing regime for admitting FDHs.

DETAILS HERE

This means, they will be live-in workers and cannot take on any other job, or engage in business. They will also be hired on two-year contracts, with a day off each week, apart from statutory holidays.

It is not clear, however, if they will be working exclusively as carers, and would not be required to do housework on top of their stipulated job.

Sun also allayed fears that the new scheme would disrupt the hiring of FDHs, emphasizing that applicants for the foreign carers posts would have to be certified as having at least three years of experience in elderly care.

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Moreover, those currently working as FDHs will need to first return to their home countries to complete the required training and meet the qualifications before being allowed to return as carers.

Asked if the Philippine government has started preparing for the new scheme that could open the doors to more highly skilled and better-paid workers, Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. said they have had talks with the Hong Kong Labour Department on this.

“We’re ready to take it to the next level,” Congen Israel said.

It's estimated that in 20 years, seniors will comprise about a third of all people in HK 

Sun said Hong Kong’s ageing population and the growing demand for more capable helpers to care for elderly relatives at home sparked the decision to open a new category of imported workers.

"It gives the public a choice. If you only need a foreign domestic helper, then you continue to hire in the foreign domestic helper market," he said.

"But if you need someone with high ability, who can be certified and can provide elderly care services, you can pay a bit more to hire a foreign domestic carer."

The pilot scheme was announced by Chief Executive John Lee in his Policy Address on Wednesday as part of the government’s response to Hong Kong’s rapidly ageing population.

Government experts predict that in 2046, one in every three people in Hong Kong will be aged 60 and above.

Duterte appears at ICC hearing

 

Duterte appeared in a dark suit and sported dark hair (pool photo)

Jailed former Philippine president Rodrigo D. Duterte appeared in person Wednesday at the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague. It was the first time he was seen in court since his initial appearance in March 2025.

Duterte, 81, wore a dark suit and sported a full head of dark hair as he listened intently during the third status conference before his trial, which is due to begin in November. He did not speak, but waved to supporters seated at the public gallery.

But before that, the court will have to decide on whether the former leader is fit to stand trial. His lawyers argue that he suffers from significant memory loss and cognitive decline, making him unable to assist his legal team.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

However, ICC prosecutors and a court-appointed medical panel maintain that he has the mental capacity to understand the charges and follow the proceedings.

The former strongman who ruled the Philippines from 2016 to 2022 is being held at the ICC on three counts of crimes against humanity for murder and attempted murder, covering 49 incidents and at least 76 victims during his tenure as Davao City mayor and later as president.

At Wednesday’s conference ICC presiding judge Joanna Korner stressed the need to proceed with the trial as quickly as possible, and said the court is not inclined to adopt the usual practice of holding blocks of hearings with breaks and sitting hours.

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Instead, Judge Korner said the court intends to sit through the hearing from November 30 until the middle of December, just before the Christmas break.

Duterte’s counsel, Peter Haynes, slammed the prosecution for disclosing a mountain of evidence which he described as being in ä terrible “mess.”

Haynes said the prosecution has now listed nearly 20,000 items as evidence, compared to about 5,000 at the confirmation stage.

“And what has been dumped in the Registry is 62,500 exhibits. That 324,000 pages of evidence and over 1,000 video and audio files which run to many thousands of hours. And they’re in a terrible mess,” he added.

Meanwhile, protest actions were held by various groups near the ICC as the hearing of Duterte’s case went underway. Several groups of Filipino workers and residents in the Netherlands held protests either in support, or to condemn Duterte.

Filipino rights groups like Migrante and Bayan Europe called for Duterte to be held accountable for the thousands of people killed under his “Oplan Tokhang” operations.

Conversely, about Duterte loyalists gathered outside the ICC and in cities across Mindanao to protest his detention and demand his release, calling the proceedings biased.

Public urged to take flu jabs soon amid surge in cases

 

HA doctors hold press conference to urge public to take flu jabs early

The Hospital Authority urged people in Hong Kong to get vaccinated against seasonal flu as soon as possible, amid a surge in infections and serious cases.

An HA consultant said Tuesday the number of cases could go even higher in the winter, so now is the time to get the jab, as it takes two weeks for antibodies to form following vaccination. This protection could last for at least six months.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

“If people receive vaccination in September and October, there will be enough time for their bodies to develop antibodies, so that they will have sufficient immunity during Christmas and New Year – a peak time for travel and gatherings,” said Chan Ting Bong of the New Territories East Cluster’s department of family medicine.

Chan said that pregnant women in particular should get the vaccine as soon as possible, because this will not only protect their own health but also that of the babies they’re carrying.

HK Medical Association doctors echo the call for early vaccination

Earlier, the Hong Kong Medical Association issued the same call, and warned of possible flu outbreaks at schools at the start of classes, increasing the risk of community transmission.

Raymond Tso, council member of the association said that an increasing number of cases were recorded from late August to early September, as students began returning to schools.

Basahin ang detalye!

“That’s why we advise people to get their vaccination sooner to prevent any serious consequences of flu infections,” Tso added.

One flu outbreak that has caused concern happened at the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Wong Tai Sin Hospital, where 13 more patients and one staff member were recently reported to have been infected. Three infected patients aged 81 to 95 have died, all of whom had underlying illnesses.

The sick patients who were in the tuberculosis and infirmary wards have been put in isolation, while the staff member is on leave.

The hospital had previously announced that since September 7, eight patients and two staff members had tested positive for influenza A. The hospital has stepped up infection control measures to prevent a further spread of the virus.

The Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme by the government is set to begin on Thursday, with eligible patients who regularly visit public hospitals and outpatient clinics being first in line.

The flu jab is given free to those aged 50 and above, children from six months to 18 years old, pregnant women and those with chronic diseases and disabilities. Designated private clinics also administer them free or at subsidized cost to eligible patients.

One such clinic will resume providing free flu shots to Filipinos who turn 50 this year, or older, on September 22, Tuesday, at the Migrant Workers Office on the 29th floor of United Centre in Admiralty.

After this, the free jabs will be given half-a-day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and whole day on Sundays. Those eligible may walk in during designated days and time as listed by the MWO.