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.

PINDUTIN DITO

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.

Basahin ang detalye!

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

MWO looking for Filipina helper who identified suicide victim

 

The Filipina's employer jumped off his posh flat on Kennedy Road 

It is bad enough to be asked to identify a recently deceased person, worse if that individual was your employer and he was found headless after an apparent suicide.

This is the reason why the Migrant Workers Office at the Consulate is seeking a Filipina domestic worker who was asked to identify her lawyer-employer after he apparently jumped off his high-rise flat at posh Monticello on Kennedy Road, Wan Chai at about 7am last Tuesday.

Press reports said that initially, it was thought that the impact from the fall had severed the victim’s head, but it turned out that it got embedded into his body, and both his legs were torn off.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

The Filipina helper ended up identifying the victim as her 54-year-old American employer who was working with a top law firm, as she rushed down after seeing their terrace door wide open, and police officers swarming the ground below.

MWO staff said they managed to confirm with the police that the helper is a Filipino, but have yet to get her name and address. They want to check on her and if needed, provide her with counseling or refer her to a specialist who could help her deal with the trauma.

They are appealing to the Filipino community to reach out to them if they know her, even if only to say that the helper is fine and does not need immediate intervention.

Basahin ang detalye

Several reports later indicated that the suicide victim with the initials BS was a partner at one of Hong Kong’s top law firms specializing in cross-border transactions. He reportedly left a suicide note saying he was grappling with problems and wanted to go to “a peaceful place.”

In a statement, his law firm expressed profound grief over his death, and said his "extraordinary lawyer and beloved colleague" whose contributions were immeasurable.

His family has requested privacy in their time of grief and suggested donations to mental health or suicide prevention organizations in lieu of flowers.

Those who are feeling depressed are advised to seek professional help immediately, either through the Philippine Consulate or NGOs like the Mission for Migrant Workers. They can also call the 24-hour multi-lingual hotline of the Samaritans at 28960000. 

Chikungunya cases in HK remain at 5, but anti-mosquito drive strengthened

 

 Port Health Division staff members conduct an inspection at the Hong Kong-Macau
Ferry Terminal to strengthen anti-mosquito measures

No new case of chikungunya fever was reported today and the number of this year’s cases remains at five, but the Hong Kong government continues to strengthen efforts in mosquito control and elimination to prevent an outbreak.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said it will continue to strengthen its surveillance work and advised residents to maintain strict environmental hygiene, control of the Aedes albopictus mosquito whch spreads the disease, and personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites both locally and when travelling outside of Hong Kong.

CHP said all five CF cases this year were imported. From 2016 to 2019, between one and 11 CF cases were recorded in Hong Kong each year, all of which were also imported cases.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

“In view of the occurrence of multiple imported cases in Hong Kong,” the CHP said, “the risk of secondary local transmission via mosquitoes exists.”

The CHP will again remind doctors to arrange testing for patients with CF symptoms, regardless of travel history. The CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch will provide free testing to ensure rapid diagnosis.

The CHP also appealed to the public, through information campaigns such as Info Stations across various districts in Hong Kong and health talks at more than 300 health promotion activities provided to the elderly and their carers, to observe precautions for preventing CF.

Basahin ang detalye!

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) also appealed to members of 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 soft drink cans and lunch boxes.

The FEHD also advised members of the public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

“The effectiveness of mosquito control relies on the concerted efforts and active participation of stakeholders from various sectors, including pest control operators in both public and private sectors, venue management and the general public, to prevent CF,” FEHD said.

 

11 FDHs arrested for illegal abortion

 

Inspector Lam of Yuen Long Police gives press briefing on arrests (RTHK photo)

Hong Kong Police said today, Friday, that they have arrested 11 foreign domestic helpers on suspicion of performing illegal abortion, including a 32-year-old who allegedly supplied the illegal drugs for the procedure.

Their nationalities were not disclosed.

The case unraveled after a 39-year-old helper collapsed at her employer’s home in Tin Shui Wai on June 2, and blood stains were found on her lower body.

Basahin ang detalye!

Paramedics discovered a 35-centimeter fetus in a laundry basket near the woman’s bed. Tests showed the fetus must have been 28 weeks old.

After police were called, a positive pregnancy test and abortion drug packaging were also found in the helper’s room.

Investigators learned she had bought the medicine in May from the 32-year-old helper, who had also sold the medicine to other women. It’s believed she had bought the abortion pills from abroad.

 “Further investigation revealed that this 32-year-old woman had sold similar suspected abortion drugs to other foreign domestic helpers between May 2024 and May 2025 for abortion,” said inspector Lam Ho-yin from Yuen Long District Crime Squad.

Lam added that following the investigation, nine other women FDHs aged between 30 and 46 were arrested in various districts for administering the illicit drugs to induce abortion.

Five of those arrested have been charged, five others were released on police bail pending further investigation, while one remained in police custody.

Police said more people could be arrested in relation to the case.

Lam reminded the public that buying or taking pills for abortion is a serious crime that could lead to the offender being jailed.

As for women dealing with unwanted pregnancy, he said they should consult a registered doctor to get help in assessing the risk and understand the side effects of any medication.

“Do not blindly trust information online and take medications without the consultation with a registered medical practitioner,” Lam said.

He added that while abortion is legal in some countries, in Hong Kong the supply or use of drugs to induce abortion is a crime.

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.

Basahin ang detalye!

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.

Basahin ang detalye!

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.

Basahin ang detalye!

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.

Basahin ang detalye!

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.

 

Consulate says it is helping family of Filipino tourist killed in taxi crash

The severe crash crumpled the taxi's front

The Philippine Consulate says it is assisting the family of a Filipino tourist killed when an 80-year-old driver lost control of his taxi, causing the vehicle to mount a pavement and pin the victim to a marble pillar of a hotel in Tsuen Wan.

Vice Consul Gino Mariano, head of the assistance to nationals section, told The SUN in a text message, “The Consulate General is currently assisting the family of the deceased and is anticipating their arrival in Hong Kong soon to arrange the shipment of the remains. The Consulate General is closely coordinating with the Hong Kong Police Force while the official investigation of the case is ongoing.”

VC Mariano said the remains of the deceased are at the Kwai Chung Public Mortuary, while the elderly taxi driver remains in police custody.

He said one of the steps being considered is to file compensation for the family of the victims with the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme.

Another is to file a personal injuries claim, with the help of the Legal Aid Department, against the driver and his insurance company.

Earlier the police said they arrested the driver for dangerous driving causing death. He reportedly told investigators he felt dizzy as he tried to drive to the taxi queue, and mistakenly accelerated as he drove straight on.

Basahin ang detalye!

A video of the crash shows the Filipino tourist who was rolling a small luggage on the pavement after checking out of the hotel being hit on impact by the runaway vehicle, which also caused a huge dent on the marble pillar behind him.

The Filipino was rushed to hospital but was declared dead about an hour after the crash.

A member of the Legislative Council’s transport panel, Michael Tien, repeated a call for authorities to tighten fitness checks on elderly taxi drivers.

Tien said his heart “sank” on hearing that the driver was 80 years old, as the incident again sounded the alarm on elderly drivers being allowed to operate public transport.

He called on the government to immediately regulate health checks and working hours of elderly professional drivers.

An 84-year-old driver was behind the wheel of this taxi which careered down
Fortress Hill Road in March 2023, severely injuring 2 women

Recent fatal accidents involving elderly drivers prompted a government proposal in 2023 requiring commercial drivers aged over 70 to submit a medical examination certificate yearly instead of every three years, but this has yet to be acted upon.

Tien urged the government to make this mandatory by the first quarter of next year.

He also suggests limiting the daily working hours of drivers of all public transport who are aged 70 and above.

 

Filipino cleared of assault as domestic worker charged with drug trafficking

 

Place where drug trafficking allegedly took place (Google Maps photo)

A Filipina domestic helper was returned to jail Monday to wait for the elevation of her case of drug trafficking from Eastern Court to the Court of First Instance.

Alisa Tandual, 29 years old, had been charged with C. Padillo, 30 years old, with trafficking in a dangerous drug, contrary to the Dangerus Drugs Ordinance after they were both arrested on Jan. 22 on the first floor of an unnamed building -- 542 Canton Road, Yau Ma Tei.

But Padillo was earlier cleared after similar charges against her were withdrawn last June 2. (read the full story here: https://www.sunwebhk.com/2025/06/pinay-dh-accused-of-drug-trafficking.html).

Magistrate Minnie Wat set Oct. 13 as Tandual’s return day after prosecutors presented the latest list of drugs she allegedly trafficked: 1,857.1 grams of a solid containing 1,806.9 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride (also known as ice or shabu), 159 grams of a solid containing 108 grams of cocaine, ang 42 grams of a mixture containing 35,9 grams of heroin hydrochloride.

Meanwhile, an unemployed Filipino has been acquitted of the charge of “assault occasioning actual body harm” after a trial at the Kowloon City Court.

Deputy Magistrate Polly Chuang cleared Allen Gomez, 51 years old, ending the one-day trial on Monday by ruling that the prosecution failed to prove that Allen Gomez, 51 years old, had violated the Common Law and should be punished under section 39 of the Offenses against the Person Ordinance.

Basahin ang detalye!

The ordinance set a maximum penalty of three years in jail for the offence.

Gomez had earlier denied that he assaulted a female named Mai Zhimin outside the Ambulatory Care Centre of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kowloon last April 28.

More heavy downpour in HK after 11-hour black rainstorm alert

 

Water cascades down the stairs beside an MTR station entrance in Kennedy Town

After an unprecedented four black rainstorm warnings in just eight days, more heavy showers are forecast for Hong Kong.

The Observatory says there will be more cloudy skies with frequent showers and thunderstorms in the city on Wednesday, with some heavy downpours at first.

The unsettled weather is said to be the result of an active southwest monsoon and upper-air disturbances over southern China’s coast.

Residents are warned about potentially dangerous conditions, like intense wind gusts and heavy flooding. Those who stay or work outdoors should seek shelter immediately during thunderstorms.

The showers are expected to continue until Thursday, but there will be relief from the rain later in the week. It will likely turn very hot with sunny periods.

Meanwhile, Tuesday’s black rainstorm warning that lasted for more than 11 hours set a new disturbing record for Hong Kong, as it was the fourth in just eight days.

Basahin ang detalye!

The top-level rain alert was raised at 5:40 am today, and was downgraded to Amber only at 5:05pm.

It was raised a mere six hours after the last rainstorm warning was raised at 11:45 pm the previous day.

Heavy flooding rarely seen on Garden Road in Mid-Levels

The relentless downpour caused severe flooding in many parts of Hong Kong, disrupted transportation networks, shut down schools and offices, and put the city on high alert.

But the authorities said airport operations were only slightly affected, with 61 departures and 40 arrivals delayed, one departure and one arrival canceled, and two arrivals diverted as of this morning.

The duration of today’s black rainstorm warning was the second longest in Hong Kong’s history. Only the so-called "Black Rainstorm of the Century" in September 2023 lasted longer, persisting for 16 hours and 35 minutes.

The Observatory noted that the alerts came in rapid succession on July 29, August 2, August 4 and August 5, creating what they see as an unsettling new weather pattern for the region.  

The Black Rainstorm Warning which is the most severe in Hong Kong's three-tier rainfall alert system, is triggered when widespread rainfall exceeds 70 mm per hour with continued downpours expected. 

But the Observatory can still issue even when rainfall falls slightly below this threshold if prolonged heavy rain creates dangerous conditions.  

Filipino tourist dies after being hit by runaway taxi

 

Still photo from a video showing the taxi crash that killed the Filipino tourist

A 35-year-old Filipino tourist has died after being struck by a taxi that mounted a pavement just outside the Nina Tower hotel in Tsuen Wan at about 2pm on Tuesday.

Reports said the man had visited Hong Kong with some friends and had just checked out of the hotel prior to returning home.

Officers said the 80-year-old taxi driver reported feeling dizzy as he was about to drive towards the taxi queue by the hotel entrance, and lost control of his vehicle.

An 11-second video circulating online showed the man exiting the hotel lobby with a luggage and was looking down at his phone when the taxi sped towards him. The force of the impact left the man crushed between the taxi and a marble column by the entrance.

The crash also shattered the lower part of the marble column and severely damaged the front of the taxi.

Rescue personnel rushed the victim to Princess Margaret Hospital but was pronounced dead about an hour later. 

Basahin ang detalye!

The taxi driver was also taken to hospital after complaining of chest and head pain. He was later arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving causing death.

Police are investigating the cause of the accident.

The Philippine Consulate told The SUN it expects to issue a statement on the incident after getting clearance from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.

DH gets 2 months’ jail for working as waitress

 

Immigration officers escort illegal workers they arrested.

A domestic helper caught working as a waitress in a restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsi, was jailed for two months after she pleaded guilty today at Shatin Court to breach of condition of stay.

Gemma Soto, 49 years old, was arrested last June 19 in one of the operations conducted by the Immigration Department against illegal employment from May 19 to June 23.

Soto was granted a visa last June 8 to remain in Hong Kong and work as a domestic helper in an address specified in her employment contract, with the condition that she will not accept any other employment.

After she was arrested in a Tsim Sha Tsui restaurant, she was charged with violation of section 41 of the Immigration Ordinance “by virtue of Regulation 2 of the Immigrtion Regulations.”

Soto was one of 89 arrested for illegal work during the surprise inspections and enforcement actions, with the Immigration Department targeting industries prone to involvement with illegal employment, such as catering, cleaning and renovation sectors.

ImmD investigators conducted raids at 815 targeted locations across various districts in Hong Kong, resulting in the arrest of 89 illegal workers, 31 employers and three aiders and abettors.

 

Basahin ang detalye!

Among those arrested, 58 persons have been prosecuted for offences under the Immigration Ordinance, with 46 persons sentenced to prison terms ranging from 54 days to 22 months.

The arrested illegal workers, aged between 21 and 67, comprised 45 non-ethnic Chinese persons (21 men and 24 women, including 14 men and nine women holding recognisance forms prohibiting them from taking any employment) and 44 Mainlanders (12 men and 32 women).

Among the illegal workers arrested, 18 persons were suspected of using and being in possession of forged Hong Kong identity cards, while three persons were suspected of using and being in possession of another person's identity card.

In a statement, the ImmD said it has long been highly vigilant against the problem of illegal employment and has taken vigorous and effective enforcement actions.

During an operation targeting the catering industry, ImmD investigators employed strategies including decoy operations at targeted restaurants, and conducted focused investigations at popular gathering spots for food delivery riders across multiple districts. A total of 60 illegal workers related to the catering industry were arrested, including dishwashers, kitchen workers, waiters, waitresses and food delivery riders.

Furthermore, the ImmD conducted operations at housing estates and premises under renovation across various districts, arresting 14 illegal workers engaged in renovation and cleaning work. Additionally, 34 Hong Kong residents (18 men and 16 women) were arrested for suspected involvement in employing illegal workers or aiding and abetting others in breaching their conditions of stay in Hong Kong.

Employer barred from hiring foreign worker for violating labour import rules

 

Labour Secretary Sun says local workers must get priority in the recruitmen process

A local pest control company, Amala Limited, has been barred from importing workers for a year under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) after it was found to have refused to hire a local during the mandatory four-week recruitment phase.

A statement issued by the Labour Department Monday said: "An administrative sanction has been imposed on the company, as it earlier refused to employ a qualified local job seeker during the four-week local recruitment under the ESLS without reasonable grounds, violating the requirements of local recruitment.”

Labour said that for a year starting from July 31 it would refuse to process any applications for importing workers from Amala under the ESLS. At the same time, it terminated the processing of a pending application by the company to hire a worker from overseas.

The statement said: "The ESLS stipulates that if an employer violates labour or immigration laws, the requirements of the ESLS or the Standard Employment Contract, the LD will impose an administrative sanction on the employer, including the withdrawal of approval for the importation of labour previously granted and refusal to process any subsequent applications submitted by the employer."

Hong Kong employers are required to prioritize local workers by conducting a four-week hiring process before applying to hire someone from abroad. They must provide valid reasons for rejecting Hong Kong applicants.

Last month, Labour Secretary Chris Sun disclosed that an investigation was being carried out into two cases of alleged employer violations of the ESLS.

Basahin ang detalye!

In the first case, local employees were dismissed after the employer hired foreign workers. In the second case, the employer was found to have acted in bad faith in conducting the mandatory two-week recruitment process.

Sun reminded employers applying to import workers under the ESLS to strictly comply with the rules, including giving priority to qualified local workers.

He said employers are not the only ones who will be affected if the ESLS regulations are violated. The imported workers may also have their permits revoked if the strict hiring process is not complied with.

An online complaint form on the ESLS dedicated webpage (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/plan/iwESLS.htm) can be used by both imported and local workers to file complaints against employers for violating the scheme requirements. They may also call the dedicated hotline 2150 6363 to lodge complaints.