Filipino wanted for human trafficking arrested after repatriation from Cambodia

 

The suspect was among 7 Filipinos repatriated from Cambodia

A man who was among seven Filipinos repatriated from Cambodia on Sunday was arrested by an inter-government team shortly arriving at Manila international airport after he was found to have an existing warrant of arrest for qualified human trafficking. 

John Lerry Amit came with six victims of human trafficking to Cambodia at around 5:15am on Sunday. The group was immediately assessed individually for whatever services they could avail of from various government agencies.

It was during the processing that Amit was found to have an outstanding arrest warrant for qualified human trafficking, the details of which were not disclosed in a press statement issued by the Department of Migrant Workers.

The offence is non-bailable under Philippine law, and the prescribed maximum sentence for those found guilty of the crime is life imprisonment, and fine of up to Php5 million.

Human trafficking is classified as “qualified” in the presence of such aggravating factors as having been committed by a syndicate, where at least one victim was a minor or under 18 years old, if the victim dies or becomes insane, suffers mutilation or is infected with HIV/AIDS.

Amit was immediately read out his rights as an accused under Philippine law, and afterwards was transferred to the custody of airport police ahead of his detention and court appearance.

The DMW said it continues to work with various government agencies in the campaign against illegal recruitment, human trafficking and other forms of exploitation of Filipinos abroad.

The rescue, protection and provision of legal assistance to victims is a top priority, alongside efforts to immediately arrest and hold accountable those behind illegal recruitment and human trafficking offences.

 

 

Open cutter found inside HK bus

 

The partially exposed cutter was wedged between seats on 37A Citybus (TheStandard photo)

A cutter with part of its blade exposed was found wedged between seats on a Citybus as it was travelling toward Pacific Place in Admiralty Wednesday afternoon.

Reports said it was the second incident of a sharp object being found on a bus in Central in four days.

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A passenger on a 37A Citybus bound for Chi Fu Fa Yuen reported finding the blade around 5pm after getting aboard on Queen’s Road East.

A 13 cm cutter with about 1cm of the blade exposed was found inside the gap between two seats located near the rear of the bus.

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The driver drove the bus to a bus terminus in Admiralty where police boarded to check on the report.

No injuries were reported and no one was arrested. But the case has been classified as attempted wounding with intent and is being investigated by the Central crime unit of the HK Police.

Press for details

On Saturday, a 43-year-old woman was pricked by a 5cm sewing needle stuck on the back of a seat on a 15C Citybus on Garden Road.

Basahin ang detalye!

The woman was taken to hospital after feeling a sharp pain in her back.

No arrests have been made.

Another Mpox case reported; CHP issues alert

 

CHP graphic

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) today confirmed the third case of Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) case, prompting a call for people to avoid close physical contact with persons suspected of contracting Mpox and for sex-workers to receive Mpox vaccinations.

The new case came as CHP continued investigating two confirmed Mpox cases, who both previously visited a “hutong” (or pleasure house) on Shanghai Street in Kowloon, but were not linked to the latest case, before going to China.

Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded 87 Mpox cases (70 local cases and 17 imported cases). All patients were male.

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Epidemiological investigations revealed that most cases had history of high-risk sexual behavior, including having sex with strangers or having sex without wearing condoms.

The latest case was a 44-year-old male who developed itchiness and a skin rash over his lower body from May 13 and attended the Wan Chai Male Social Hygiene Clinic (SocHS) of the Department of Health on May 18.

The CHP subsequently arranged for him to receive isolation treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital. He is in stable condition.

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Information provided by the patient indicated he has not been vaccinated against Mpox and had high-risk exposure in a hotel in Hong Kong during the incubation period.

The two earlier cases were announced Monday (May 25) after Chinese health authorities notified CHP.

The first case involved a 28-year-old male who developed a fever and painful swelling in the groin area on May 8. He visited a "hutong" on Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, on May 3, and had high-risk contacts there.

Press for details

The second case was a 30-year-old male who developed a rash over both legs on May 15. He visited the premises on May 1 and May 3 and had high-risk contacts there.

Although the two patients did not know each other, they both stayed for several hours at the premises during the same period on May 3. Their samples collected after the onset of symptoms tested positive for Mpox.

Both patients are now receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition in China.

Basahin ang detalye!

The CHP has successfully contacted 140 persons who visited the premises on or after May 1. “All are asymptomatic. The CHP has provided them with health education and will put them under medical surveillance. As investigations are still ongoing, the premises will be closed for 21 days starting from today” CHP said.

The DH provides Mpox vaccination services for high‑risk groups. The following high-risk target groups are eligible for Mpox vaccinations on a voluntary basis:

individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;

healthcare workers responsible for caring for patients with confirmed Mpox;

laboratory personnel working with zoonotic pox viruses; and

animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in case of Mpox occurrences in animals in Hong Kong.

High-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any of the DH's SocHS, namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS) and the DH's Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre.

The DH's Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and the Hospital Authority's Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital also provide Mpox vaccination services.

 

Electricity cost to rise in HK anew

Hong Kong’s biggest electricity supplier, CLP Power, said today, Tuesday, that it will raise fuel costs by 5.4 percent in June, the third consecutive monthly hike, and the biggest monthly increase so far this year.

In a statement, CLP said that fuel costs for next month would rise to HK$0.42 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), up fom the HK$0.40 per kWh for May.

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The latest rise marks a steady climb since April, with the surcharge having increased by a total of 3.4 cents per kWh, or more than 8.6 percent, since.

The city's other utility firm, HK Electric, last week announced it was also hiking fuel costs in June by 20 percent from May, due to the Iran war.

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HK Electric had also warned that more fuel increases could come in the coming months, as the current levels have yet to fully reflect the rise in fuel costs.

HK Electric supplies energy for Hong Kong Island and Lamma, while CLP Power serves Kowloon, the New Territories and Lantau Island, where more than 80 percent of the city's population lives.

Press for details

With the upcoming fuel hikes, a typical three-member household using 300 kWh a month will pay about HK$6.50 more compared with current levels, and about HK$10.20 more compared wit the level before the increases began in April.

CLP said the fuel cost adjustment reflects the difference between actual and forecast fuel prices, including oil, gas and coal.

Basahin ang detalye!

Energy Advisory Committee chairman Simon Wong said fuel adjustment charges are expected to continue rising in the coming months as oil prices continue to surge.

He expects the charge to peak around August and remain at an elevated level with future adjustments depending on global developments.

HA to use prefix 18285/18286 in making calls

All public hospitals and clinics will use the prefix in making calls from tomorrow

Ever missed an important call from the hospital or clinic you attend because you thought the caller was a scammer?

From tomorrow, May 26 all calls coming from clinics and hospitals attached to the Hospital Authority (HA) will have the unique prefix  182825 or 182826 in their number so residents will know who it is that’s calling and  take the call without hesitation.

The prefix will be used in all HA operating units, including public hospitals, family medicine clinics, specialist outpatient clinics, healthcare institutions and the HA Head Office.

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All  these attached health care facilities will progressively adopt a number between 1828 500 and 1828 599 or between 1828 600 and 1828 699 for caller identification (caller ID), a process that is expected to be completed by end of June.

However all the new numbers will be used solely for caller ID purposes, meaning they cannot be called back. When a person tries to call anyway, he or she will only hear a recorded message indicating which public hospital or clinic the call originated from. If necessary, staff will call again later.

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As for all existing phone numbers for contacting HA operating units, they will remain unchanged. In addition, some HA facilities will still retain direct landline numbers or use mobile phone numbers .

A statement issued by the HA said adopting the unique prefix will alert the public when the HA is calling, thereby reducing the chances of them refusing to pick up due to concerns about excessive promotional calls or potential phone scams, and even missing urgent calls from accident and emergency departments or wards.

Press for details

Everyone is reminded to take care when picking a call from an unknown number to avoid being scammed. If the HA needs to contact anyone, especially in an emergency, one of its staff will call the family directly and provide relevant information to establish identity.

The HA reminds everyone that they should not provide any personal information to calls from unknown source.

Basahin ang detalye!

People who suspect they have received a scam call recently should seek assistance from the Police.

PCG HK launches WhatsApp channel

 

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has launched its official WhatsApp Channel, which will send messages to subscribers about the latest information, advisories and announcements of community activities.

To register for the service, one must scan the QR code in the attached poster or log in to bit.ly/PHinHongKong.

The new communication channel is in addition to the PCG’s  official website (https://hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph/) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/PHLinHK/).

Note that it is a one-way information service, meaning users can only receive updates and cannot use the channel to send SMS to the PCG.

Members of the public are also reminded that this PCG channel will never request personal information from the user, or ask for payments or bank details. All transactions will also have to be done directly with Consulate employees.

 

Summer heat, rising humidity prompt alert vs dengue, chikungunya

 

CHP Graphic  

The onset of summer has brought rising temperatures and increased humidity levels -- favorable conditions for mosquito breeding -- prompting the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) to alert the public against  dengue fever (DF) and chikungunya fever (CF).

Hong Kong has recorded 19 DF cases so far this year, including 18 imported cases and one local case, said the CHP, an agency under the Department of Health.

A total of 59 DF cases were recorded last year (2025), all of which were imported cases. In 2024, 161 DF cases were recorded, including 156 imported cases and five local cases.

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During the one-week period from May 15 to May 21, the CHP recorded two imported DF cases. During the incubation periods, one of the patients had travelled to Malaysia, while the other patient had been to multiple countries, namely Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge.

In 2024, the WHO recorded over 14 million cases, which was a record number. From January to July 2025, over 4 million cases and over 3 000 DF-related deaths were reported in 97 countries/territories.

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DF is prevalent in many neighboring tourist destinations. In 2025, Indonesia, India and Vietnam each recorded over 120 000 cases; Malaysia and Thailand each recorded over 50 000 cases; and Singapore recorded over 4 000 cases.

As of May 10, the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 97 cases in Guangdong Province this year, including eight locally infected cases. Guangdong Province recorded over 3 500 locally infected cases in 2025.

Two cases of Chikungunya fever were recorded in Hong Kong so far this year, both of which were imported cases.

Details here

In contrast, Hong Kong recorded 82 confirmed CF cases last year. Among them, 11 were local cases, and the rest were imported cases.

Worldwide, a total of 502 264 CF cases and 186 CF-related deaths have been reported in over 40 countries/territories since the beginning of 2025. These cases have been reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

In Guangdong, four cases were reported this year, including one locally infected case.

Basahin ang detalye!

 The best way to avoid both diseases is to prevent mosquito growth and breeding.

Therefore, the CHP reminded members of the public to maintain good environmental hygiene, and to take appropriate measures to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito breeding, both in Hong Kong and when travelling to areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases.

Whether travelling or not, members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites.

​The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) also appeals to the public to help carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and lunch boxes.

​The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems.

Statue Square partially closed off for redevelopment

 

Will this be the end for 'Blackman', a favorite meeting place for FDWs in Central?
(photo from Threads@deviantplus)

An iconic landmark in Central fondly dubbed “Blackman” by many foreign domestic workers may soon be gone, or moved from its present location in Statue Square,  as construction gets underway to link the Central MTR station to the new Harbourfront.

The bronze statue of Sir Thomas Jackson along with the fountain , park benches and shelters in the square where many FDWs often meet on Sundays, have been fenced off until 2031 as part of the redevelopment plan.

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The statue of the first Chief Manager of HSBC was first unveiled in the square in 1906 but was removed by Japanese forces during the Second World War to be melted down for metal but fortunately survived.

It was moved to its present place in May 1966, when the square underwent major reconstruction as part of Hong Kong’s greening campaign.

'Blackman' has been in this spot in Statue Square since 1966

Photos posted online show the raised platform where the statue stands has been boarded up, and is already being demolished.

However, more than 70% of the garden’s remaining area including most leisure spaces and walkways have been kept open.

But there will be major disruptions, with the first two phases of the project requiring excavation and tunnel construction over 45 months, or nearly four years.  

Basahin ang detalye!

Chater Road, where many Filipinos gather on Sundays and holidays, will be used for hauling construction materials, and the existing bus stop there will be relocated about 10 meters to the east.

The third phase which will take another 12 months, will restore parts of Statue Square once the tunnel is completed.

However, nothing is mentioned in the plans as to whether “Blackman” will be returned to where it has lorded over for the past 120 years.

 

Qualifying exam in 13 Phl professions to be held in HK

 

Schedule of the evaluation of applicants' documents

Filipinos who wish to get qualified in 13 different professions in the Philippines will have the chance to do this in the first-ever simultaneous Special Professional Licensure Examination (SPLE) to be held later this month in Hong Kong.

The SPLE will be administered by the Professional Regulation Commission and will cover graduates of aeronautical engineering, agriculture, architecture, civil engineering, customs brokerage, midwifery, nursing, education, psychometrics, respiratory therapy, social work, veterinary medicine and X-ray technology.

The examinations will be given on varying days for each profession, from May 26 to May 31.\

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Those taking the aero engineering, agriculture, social work and vet-med exams will have to do this over three days while it will be two days for the architecture, civil engineering, customs brokerage, midwifery, nursing, psychometrics, respiratory therapists and X-ray technology qualifiers.

For those aspiring to be licensed teachers, the examination will only be held on Day One.

Before they can get approval to take the examination in their respective fields, applicants should get their documents checked and validated from May 25-27.

All would-be examinees are required to personally appear at the OFW Global Center on the 18^th floor of United Centre in Admiralty and bring the following: original copy of the application form, all documentary requirements, valid Philippine passport, and four pieces of passport-size photos with name tags.

For a hassle-free approval, examinees are encouraged to check the additional requirements for their Board exam through the PRC official website: ℎ𝑡𝑡𝑝𝑠://𝑝𝑟𝑐.𝑔𝑜𝑣.𝑝ℎ/𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑥.𝑝ℎ𝑝/𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡-𝑜𝑓-𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡.

Basahin ang detalye!

Failure to fully comply with the application rules could result in the rejection of the application.

All the examinations and the pre-approval process will take place at the OFW Global Center on the designated dates.

For more information, check out the Facebook page of the Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong: https://www.facebook.com/MWOHONGKONG

World Hypertension Day marked

 

Adults who are overweight are more likely to suffer from hypertension

Nearly 30% of people aged 15 to 84 in Hong Kong has been found to have hypertension, according to a Population Health Survey conducted by the Department of Health between 2020 to 2022.

Worse, more than 40% of those with hypertension were unaware of their condition until they underwent the PHS health examination arranged by the DH.

Given these, the DH through the Centre for Health Protection again urged the public to pay closer to their blood pressure levels and adopt a healthy lifestyle, as World Hypertension Day was celebrated on Sunday, May 17.

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The CDC also called on everyone to take part in the Chronic Disease Co-Care Scheme mplemented by the Primary Health Care Commission “to achieve early prevention, early identification early treatment” of hypertension through screening and personalised management.

World Hypertension Day is marked to increase worldwide awareness of high blood pressure known as the “silent killer” because many patients do not show or experience any symptoms or severe discomfort.

The occasion is also meant to promote more accurate blood pressure measurements.

If left unchecked, uncontrolled or not properly treated, hypertension can lead to serious health problems such as stroke, heart attack, kidney failure or even death.

Basahin ang detalye!

In 2024 a total of 1,217 recorded deaths in Hong Kong were attributed to hypertensive heart disease, 45 to hypertensive renal disease and 28 to hypertensive heart and renal disease.

Adults are considered to be hypertensive if their systolic blood pressure is persistently higher than or equal to 140 millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and/or their diastolic blood pressure is persistently higher than or equal to 90 mmHg.

Everyone aged 18 and above is urged to measure their blood pressure at least once every two years. But some may require more frequent blood pressure testing depending on their blood pressure levels, age, overall cardiovascular risk profile and doctor's recommendation.

To prevent and control hypertension adults should reduce their salt intake (no more than 5 grams per day according to World Health recommendations), avoid drinking alcohol and smoking, and stay away from secondhand smoke as far as possible.

They should also engage in physical activities of moderate intensity for at least 150 to 300 minutes per week.

 

PCG warns against Cora Wealths investment scheme

 

Cora Wealth investments are in USD (Facebook photo)

Filipinos in Hong Kong are being warned against putting money in an apparent pyramid-type investment scam called “Cora Wealths” which is purportedly based in the United States and promises a return of 10% per month on investments of at least US$1000.

According to a Facebook post by the Philippine Consulate General, people behind the “potentially fraudulent investment platform are targeting overseas Filipino workers and investors based in the Philippines.

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“To lure investors, Cora Wealths has engaged several OFWs as recruiting agents and team leaders who are promising commissions based on the number of people enticed to join the investment,” said the PCG.

Documents shown to the PCG by complainants indicated that Cora Wealths appears to operate as a pyramiding scheme where the payouts to earlier investors is derived from the money put in by succeeding investors or victims.

PINDUTIN ITO PARA SA DETALYE

Cora Wealths reportedly claims to engage in real estate investment but has no valid registration to sell securities in the Philippines or in Hong Kong, said the PCG.

Filipinos are reminded that the sale and trading of securities in Hong Kong require a license from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong.

Basahin ang detalye!

To check the list of corporations and individuals licensed to trade in securities, please click on this link: https://www.sfc.hk/en/Regulatory-functions/Intermediaries/Licensing/Register-of-licensed-persons-and-registered-institutions

In the Philippines the sale and trade of securities is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and would need either a secondary licence for corporations or registration as individual broker or dealer. To check if a broker is licensed, click here: https://checkwithsec.sec.gov.ph/check-with-sec/index

The PCG reiterated the warning that investments that promise a very high yield of return in just a short time is highly likely to be fraudulent.

To view the PCG’s Facebook post with this warning, please go to: https://web.facebook.com/share/p/18wayUAmHW/ 

Electricity cost to rise in HK anew

 

Hong Kong’s biggest electricity supplier, CLP Power, said today, Tuesday, that it will raise fuel costs by 5.4 percent in June, the third consecutive monthly hike, and the biggest monthly increase so far this year.

In a statement, CLP said that fuel costs for next month would rise to HK$0.42 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), up fom the HK$0.40 per kWh for May.

The latest rise marks a steady climb since April, with the surcharge having increased by a total of 3.4 cents per kWh, or more than 8.6 percent, since.

The city's other utility firm, HK Electric, last week announced it was also hiking fuel costs in June by 20 percent from May, due to the Iran war.

HK Electric had also warned that more fuel increases could come in the coming months, as the current levels have yet to fully reflect the rise in fuel costs.

HK Electric supplies energy for Hong Kong Island and Lamma, while CLP Power serves Kowloon, the New Territories and Lantau Island, where more than 80 percent of the city's population lives.

With the upcoming fuel hikes, a typical three-member household using 300 kWh a month will pay about HK$6.50 more compared with current levels, and about HK$10.20 more compared wit the level before the increases began in April.

CLP said the fuel cost adjustment reflects the difference between actual and forecast fuel prices, including oil, gas and coal.

Energy Advisory Committee chairman Simon Wong said fuel adjustment charges are expected to continue rising in the coming months as oil prices continue to surge.

He expects the charge to peak around August and remain at an elevated level with future adjustments depending on global developments.