Ex-DH jailed 2 months for overstaying, working illegally

 

Building where Filipina was caught working illegally

A domestic helper who remained in Hong Kong after her contract expired, was jailed for two months today after she pleaded guilty at Eastern Court not just to overstaying for three years but also for working while in that status.

Erlyn Fuego, 37 years old, was sentenced to two months for each of the two charges – overstaying in breach of a condition of stay imposed on her when she got her visa for her first job, and working as a domestic helper while in such breach.

Principal Magistrate Don So ordered the two sentences to run at the same time.

Basahin ang detalye!

A complaint filed by the Immigration Department said Fuego was arrested last Aug. 13 after she was discovered to have failed to leave Hong Kong when her contract expired on Sept. 12, 2021, as required by section 41 of the Immigration Ordinance.

The second charge arose from her taking employment in a flat at the Waterfront on Austin Road West in Kowloon, from Dec. 21, 2021 to April 13, 2024, while in breach of her limit of stay, in violation of section 38AA(1)(c) and 38AA(2) of the Immigration Ordinance.

Call us!

Police investigate spread of debt collection notices

 

 Bystander picks up one of the debt collection slips, each with a $10 bill attached

The police are investigating a strange case of dozens of debt collection notices, each with a real $10 bill attached, being scattered along Des Voeux Road Central yesterday afternoon.

According to the police, their attention was called to the incident when a 56-year-old man visited Central Police Station at about 4pm yesterday, Monday, bringing with him a pile of the notices which he reportedly found outside the Wing On Department Store in Sheung Wan.

In total, the man managed to collect 83 notices, each containing a $10 note, amounting to $830.

Basahin ang detalye!

Videos that started circulating online at about the same time showed a number of passersby stopping to pick up about 50 such notes near the corner with Cleverly Street,  and were amazed to see the attached $10 bill in each.

The notices contained personal details and photos of individuals allegedly with unpaid debts, alongside such phrases as “money borrowed and not repaid.”

It was not immediately clear if the persons named in the notices were locals or of other nationalities.

The police have classified the incident as a “request for assistance,” but said they are still investigating.

Call us!

Filipina DH accused of going on buying spree using stolen JoyYou card

 

A Filipina domestic helper appeared at Fan Ling Court today charged with eight counts of theft, six of them related to her using an Octopus card that was among several items she allegedly stole in the first case.  

Acting Principal Magistrate David Cheung adjourned the hearing to Nov. 4 to give Beverly Fernandez, 29 years old, time to deny or plead guilty to the charges of violating section 9 of the Theft Ordinance.

In the meantime, she was returned to jail custody.

Basahin ang detalye!

The first of the charges filed by Tai Po Police alleged that Fernandez stole a wallet containing a JoyYou Octopus card, cash amounting to $1,980 and a Hong Kong ID card at a 12^th floor flat in Sheung Shui last Aug.8.

On the same day, in the same flat, she also allegedly stole $3,500 from another member of the household.

Before the day was over, Fernandez was alleged to have committed six more thefts by using the stolen Octopus card for purchases that resulted in a “chose-in” action where Octopus Cards Ltd. became indebted to the registered card holder for the amounts in the purchases:

A $1.4 fare on the MTR Sha Tin Station.

A $22.5 purchase at the Circle K store in Wai Wah Centre in Shatin.

A $2 MTR fare at the Kowloon Tong station.

A $508 purchase at a Dr. Kong store in Festival Walk mall in Kowloon Tong.

And a $56 meal at a Pepper Lunch branch in Festival Walk.

Finally, the next day saw her pay a $2 MTR fare at the Kwun Tong Station, the police complaint alleged.

Call us!

Filipina DH arrested on suspicion of pouring hot water on dog

 

The injured dog was taken to the North Point Animal Street

A 35-year-old Filipina domestic worker who allegedly felt frustrated after being denied a request for leave was arrested early today in Chai Wan on suspicion that she had poured boiling water or a corrosive substance on her employer’s dog.

The 50-year-old employer surnamed Lai called the police after taking his 14-year-old Doberman Pinscher to the North Point Animal Street on Ching Wah Street, where a veterinarian suggested the dog might have been mistreated.

The employer went to the vet yesterday, Sunday, after noticing some bald patches on his dog the night before.  On closer inspection he noticed blisters and some bloody sores on the dog’s skin.

Basahin ang detalye!

The vet at the pet hospital told the employer the blisters were the result of the dog having been doused with boiling water or corrosive liquid.

After hearing this, the employer immediately called the police. Following an inspection the police arrested the Filipina earlier today on suspected animal cruelty.

Anyone found guilty of committing the offence of animal cruelty faces up to three years in jail and a fine of $200,000.

Call us!

Final hearing of OVR-related applications to be held Oct 21

 

The notice of the hearing on Oct 21

The Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong will hold its final hearing of applications relating to overseas voting registration on Oct. 21 at 4:30pm.

A total of 4,095 applications for registration, certification, transfer and reactivation of their voter’s record received by the Resident Election Registration Board (RERB) in Hong Kong between  July 1 this year and the end of the registration period on Sept. 30, will be vetted during the hearing, which is normally uncontested. 

The RERB, chaired by Vice Consul Jose Angelo Manuel, previously conducted hearings on applications made from the start of the OV registration on Jan 12, 2022 and June 30 this year were heard in batches earlier.

Pindutin para sa detalye

The total number of applications received in Hong Kong from those who intend to vote in next year’s mid-term election in the Philippines has yet to be disclosed, but Manuel says he expects a final registration tally of between 90,000 and 95,000, which is slightly higher than in the previous overseas vote.

In the final batch of election registrants, the biggest number came from the age group of between 30 to 39 years old with 1,452 applicants, followed closely by those aged 40 to 49 years old, with 1,021.

Surprisingly, there were four applicants aged 80 years old and above, two of them males and two females.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

Here is the full list of applicants for the period covered: 

https://hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph/images/PR/Announcements/2024/LIST_OF_APPLICANTS-01July-30Sept2024.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawFuVi1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXrp3t87exhmHrnRn5O2NUALlW8FCUlN2Bw8echskWiyuTz2zME31gb8FA_aem_TqkmGfGbKNFk9TVq8-AsJA

Those who wish to oppose any of the applications have until 5pm of Oct 15, 2024 to file their oppositions.

Basahin ang detalye!

The hearing of the applications is open to the public, but prior confirmation of attendance is required, by calling 2823 8535 or by signing up with the link provided in the Consulate’s post.

All those who make it to the final list of overseas voters will have the chance to take part in the first-ever overseas internet voting system, which will allow them to cast their vote anywhere in the world, as long as they have internet connection.

Election officials hope this would encourage more Filipinos abroad to vote,  allowing them greater participation in choosing the country’s next officials.

Call us!

 

Warning after portable fan’s lithium battery causes fire

 

The lithium battery from a portable fan like this one fell and burst into flames inside an MTR train

The Consumer Council is warning the public to be careful when using gadgets powered by lithium or lithium-ion batteries, following last week’s fire inside an MTR train.

According to reports,  a portable fan’s lithium battery fell out of a passenger’s bag and caught fire, injuring a 26-year-old man sitting next to him.

Photos from the incident showed a man being escorted out of the train at Yau Tong MTR station on Wednesday morning, with the side of his shirt blackened.

Pindutin para sa detalye

The police said the victim sustained minor injuries to his body and was treated at United Christian Hospital in Kwun Tong.

Firemen were called at about 9am, a few minutes after the incident, but the fire was already out when they arrived.

But part of the carriage was said to have blackened by the fire. The burnt battery was found on the floor nearby.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

With portable fans becoming increasingly popular, especially with record high temperatures in Hong Kong and many parts of the world, experts are urging caution.

People are urged to only buy products that are government approved, and not the cheap ones sold on sidewalks or online platforms with dubious origins, as they usually come with low-quality lithium batteries that could cause fire from overheating or overcharging.

But even with better quality fans, people are advised not to use them for extended periods of time as they could overheat.

Basahin ang detalye!

The Consumer Council advises users to stop using any product, including mobile phones, when the lithium batteries inside become deformed or damaged, and cause the product to overheat. They should immediately unplug the charger and throw out the batteries.

Other signs that the battery could cause fire or damage the product are when they emit an unusual odor, start leaking or smoking, or fail to charge properly.

The Consumer Council also advises users not to place mobile phones or tablets under pillows or blankets, as this could cause overheating.

All electronic products should always be placed in a cool and dry place, and away from direct sunlight.

Call us!

Exodus Kings tops OFDA HK’s one-day basketball league

 

The 'Kings' show what it takes to be champions

Exodus Kings trounced El Oragon, 90-76, to take the championship in the one-day basketball league organized by the Overseas Filipino Drivers and Aspirants Hong Kong last Sunday, Sept. 29 at the Kam Shing Road playground in Kowloon Tong.

In third place was Ace City, while Utol Central took fourth.

Pindutin para sa detalye

All the winners took home trophies courtesy of OFDA HK President Elmer Orilla while the “Mythical Five” composed of the star players in each team received medals.

Orilla (2nd from right) with the 'Mythical Five' and OFDA's 2 lady founders

Orilla said the basketball tournament is part of his group’s advocacy to unite all drivers in Hong Kong.

But the group’s Facebook page adds, “We welcome everyone to join our group. Let us always have a great time together and make OFDAHK our comfort zone.”

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

As its name suggests OFDA HK welcomes not just licensed drivers, but also other domestic workers aspiring to pass the tough Hong Kong driving test.

That also means its membership is not limited to males, but also females. In fact, two women are credited by the group as having founded OFDAHK, Shine Sun and and Susan :

Basahin ang detalye!

An all-female volleyball team is also taking part in a tournament on Oct. 11, in hopes of bringing more glory to the group.

OFDAHK's volleyball team is set to play in tournament Sunday

Those who wish to join OFDAHK and take part in its activities aimed at promoting camaraderie and good health through sports may send a message to Orilla through their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/942682887245777

Call us!

 

CHP renews call to be wary of dengue fever

 

Dengue is spread by the aedes mosquito.

The Hong Kong government has renewed its calls for people to be wary of dengue fever (DF) as new cases continued to increase, with the number for the last nine months exceeding the total for the whole of 2024.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health that with seven cases reported from the week of Sept. 27 to Oct. 3, there are now 77 reported in the past 10 months, compared with 62 for the whole of last year. Of the new cases, 73 are imported and only four are local.

At the same time, DF is raging in countries from where cases originated.

Pindutin para sa detalye

“The latest surveillance data shows that there is an increase in DF cases noted in some places in Asia (such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore) compared to the same period last year,” CHP said.

In Indonesia, the top source of this year’s cases at 17 so far, reported 454,576 cases as of last July 15 against 114,720 last year, according to Indonesian Ministry of Health figures cited by a CHP report.

The biggest number of DF cases worldwide is Brazil, with 6,533,585 cases reported by is Ministry of Health as of Oct 1.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

CHP thus singles out travelers from these countries in its advisory.

"Apart from general measures, travelers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to a doctor," the CHP said.

The CHP also said it has issued a letter to doctors to enhance their alertness for DF cases.

As to the public, it issued the following advice on the control of mosquitos, which spread the disease:

Basahin ang detalye!

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-colored long-sleeved clothes and trousers, and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service (https://www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/popup/popup_dengue.html) , the latest Travel Health News (https://www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/outbreaknews/outbreaknews.html), tips for using insect repellents (https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/38927.html), and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/ChpGovHkChannel).

Call us!

$5,000 bail set for 2 jobless asylum seekers

 

The area where the arrests took place.

Two unemployed Filipinas holding recognizance forms that identify them as applicants for asylum, were each made to post $5,000 bail when they appeared at West Kowloon Court today, each charged with two offences. 

The two were jointly charged by police in a case filed on Sept. 26, just two days after they were arrested by police during a routine patrol on the corner of Po On Road and Heung Fat St. in Cheung Sha Wan on Sept. 24.

Pindutin para sa detalye

Arlene Managtag, 36 years old, faces two theft charges – one for allegedly stealing one recognizance form in the name of Phakdee Jatupat, and another for allegedly stealing a mobile phone – in violation of the Theft Ordinance.

Conifer Akinchang, aged 44, was accused of failing to produce her proof of identity for inspection and possession of a dangerous drug.

 

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

Akinchang's charge of failing to produce proof of identity when asked to do so by a police officer is said to be in violation of the Public Order Ordinance.

She was also charged with violation of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance after the policeman allegedly found a dangerous drug in her possession. The police complaint did not specify the kind of drug found on her, pending a laboratory analysis.

Basahin ang detalye!

Principal Magistrate Ivy Chui adjourned their case to Nov. 21.

Call us!

Latest anti-illegal work raids net 26 arrests

 

This is one of  the biggest number of arrests made by Immigration in recent months

A total of 26 people were arrested in the latest series of anti-illegal operations across the city conducted by the Immigration Department on Sept 30, Oct 2 and Oct 3.

Those arrested comprised 21 suspected illegal workers and five employers.

Operatives raided 50 locations across several districts, including a food factory, massage parlors, premises under renovation, restaurants and even residential buildings.

Pindutin para sa detalye

The suspected illegal workers arrested comprised 14 men and  seven women, aged 24 to 62. Among them, three men were found to hold recognizance forms.

Two men and three women, aged 49 to 60, were arrested on suspicion of hiring the workers.

Immigration again warned in a statement that anyone found to have worked in violation of their visa condition, whether paid or unpaid, shall be guilty of an offence.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

This prohibition applies to visitors or foreign domestic helpers found to have worked with another employer, or for doing non-domestic work.

If found guilty of committing illegal work they can be imprisoned for up to two years and fined a maximum of $50,000.

Basahin ang detalye!

If the violator is an overstayer, illegal immigrant or recognizance paper holder, the maximum penalty is three years’ imprisonment and a fine of $50,000.

Employers could be jailed for up to 10 years and fined a maximum of $500,000. In addition, the High Court has laid out a sentencing guideline prescribing immediate custodial sentence for employers found guilty of hiring illegal workers. 

Call us!

First OFW Center set to open in Hong Kong

Congen Usudan says the Centre is a 'gift' to OFWs for their hard work

 Preparations are underway for the opening of the Filipino Workers Development and Social Centre (FWDSC) in Hong Kong, the first such facility to be set up abroad.

The news was announced during a ‘Leaders Forum” held on Sunday, Sept 29, at the Migrant Workers Office of the Consulate, and hosted by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Consul General Germinia Aguilar-Usudan spoke at the meeting, along with Labour Attache Mel Dizon. About 70 Filipino community leaders attended.

Pindutin para sa detalye

According to OWWA welfare  officer Marilou Sumalinog, the FWDSC which measures 20,000 square feet, will occupy the entire 18^th floor of United Centre building in Admiralty, and will cost the government HK$611,000 (or Php4.43 million at current exchange rates) a month in rent.

 “Kasing laki ng Konsulado,” (It’s as big as the Consulate), Sumalinog said, in reference to the 14^th floor office in the same building, occupied and owned by the Philippine Consulate General.

WelOf Sumalinog assures Filcom leaders the Centre will not be funded from their OWWA fees

But she was quick to say in response to a question about the huge amount being spent on the place, that the money will be paid out of the General Appropriations Act, which sets out the budget for various government agencies, and not from members’ contribution.

She also assured the leaders that OWWA is committed to funding the center for five years, so they should not worry about it shutting down after just one or two years.

Basahin ang detalye!

 “Kung tataas man ang renta, hindi tataas ang singil ng membership,” she said (Even if the rent goes up, the membership fee will remain the same).

Consul General Usudan put it another way: “Ang center na ito ay regalo ng gobyerno sa inyo (this center is a gift by the government to you), in recognition of your hard work.

“Hindi mayaman ang gobyerno, (the government is not rich), but we want to give you something that is commensurate to what you have done for the country.”

One of  the rooms in the 18th floor unit which will soon be transformed into the OFW Centre

Sumalinog says no definite date has been set for the opening of the centre as it is still being refurbished. Luckily, she said the previous tenants (a law firm), designed the area so well using quality materials that all that needs to be done is to re-design the interiors to fit OWWA’s specifications.

When completed, the FWDSC will have a recreational area that can accommodate as many as 500 OFWs who can use the space to lounge around in while partaking of free coffee and sandwiches, singing, or playing games.

Sumalinog said this space will be similar to the OFW lounges that have been set up at Terminals 1 and 2 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which have been furnished to a high standard.

But in addition, the FWDSC will also have training and conference rooms, a computer hub, a clinic, gym, psycho-social unit, trading center, and a space that should be big enough where beauty pageants can be staged.

A separate holding area will also be set up for OFWs who want to rest and sleep amid soft music and the smell of scented candles.

But one of the top draws are the five offices that will be assigned to Filcom organizations. Sumalinog did not immediately name the lucky groups that will get to occupy these offices, saying guidelines are still being drawn up.

Prior bookings are necessary for the use of most facilities like the training rooms, but admission to the recreational area will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Call us!