41-year-old Filipina helper’s death remains mystery

 

The Filipina was found unconscious in her employer's flat at Royal Ascot in Shatin (Wikimedia)

The Migrant Workers’ Office at the Philippine Consulate has confirmed that a 41-year-old Filipina domestic helper died on August 13 after being found unconscious at her employer’s flat at Royal Ascot in Shatin, but the cause of her death is still unknown.

MWO Officer-in-charge Tony Villafuerte said they have not been told of the preliminary findings as to the cause of death. Police records only show that she was declared dead after collapsing.

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The body of the deceased is still at the Fu Shan Mortuary in Shatin but her sister has already paid a visit to the MWO and was told about what she needed to do to get the remains repatriated.

Villafuerte said the sister will return to MWO today, Sunday, along with the employer of the deceased so they could be given further instructions.

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The Filipina’s employer had called the police at around 10pm on August 13, and said that her domestic helper had collapsed inside their apartment.

Paramedics who responded to the emergency call found the helper unconscious, and immediately rushed her to Prince of Wales Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

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The police have classified the case as “collapse resulting in death upon hospital arrival” and are investigating. An autopsy will be carried out to determine the exact cause of death.

 

HK deports 25 ex-DHs with rejected asylum claims

 

Immigration officers escort deportees to vans that took them to the airport

The Immigration Department (ImmD) has deported 25 overstayers, all of them former foreign domestic helpers, in a strong signal that it is serious in ending the abuse of the non-refoulement claim mechanism.

Although the ImmD announcement did not specify the countries of origin to which the deportees were sent, at least some of them are Filipinos whose non-refoulement claims were unsubstantiated and rejected.

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Among them were discharged prisoners who had committed criminal offences and had been sentenced to imprisonment.

ImmD said it carried out the repatriation operations on August 13 and 14.

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“The ImmD is very concerned about the abuse of the non-refoulement claim mechanism and is aware that a number of claimants were former foreign domestic helpers,” it said.

The agency said it has been cooperating with the relevant consulates-general in Hong Kong and will continue such co-operation to step up publicity and education for newly arriving foreign domestic helpers to help them understand that they should not abuse the non-refoulement claim mechanism.

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The mechanism has been used by claimants claiming fear of persecution, torture, or other serious harm in their home countries, to avoid being deported while their claims are assessed and even appealed in the High Court.

During their extended stay in Hong Kong, the claimants receive allowances for food and shelter from the International Social Service Hong Kong Branch (ISS-HK), but most represent themselves in court for the hearing of their cases.

Pinoy youth arrested for alleged scissors scare

 

The alleged incident happened outside Kornhill Plaza in Quarry Bay

 A 19 year-old Filipino male was reportedly arrested at about noon on Friday after he allegedly used a pair of scissors to intimidate and attempt to assault people on the street.

According to reports, police arrested the accused outside Kornhill Plaza in Quarry Bay after he brandished a 17-cm long knife and tried to scare and assault passersby before boarding a bus to flee.

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Alert witnesses called the police who then arrested the suspect at a nearby bus stop on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon.

He remains in custody for further investigation.

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The youth who holds a HK identity card is said to be have emotional health issues.

 

165 people arrested in month-long illegal work sweep

A big percentage of those arrested were from the Mainland

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

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

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

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

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

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

Illegal male workers are led away by Immigration agents

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

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

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

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

 

 

Pinoy gets 5 months in jail for indecent assault

 

Building where offense took place (Google Maps photo)

A Filipino rock climbing coach was sentenced today to five months in jail for indecent assault on a woman last Christmas, in what his lawyer described as a romantic night that became a foolish mistake.

J.J. Padua, 24 years old, pleaded guilty last July 31 at Eastern Court, admitting that he committed the indecent assault on “female X” last Christmas day in a flat on Wood St. in Wanchai.

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Brief facts of the case read to the court indicated that he met the woman in a Yau Ma Tei gym where he was a rock climbing coach, and they had an “outing” on Christmas eve. They got drunk and ended up in the flat, where he groped the woman’s private parts.

The offense is punishable under section 122(1) of the Crimes Ordinance with up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

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Acting Principal Magistrate David Cheung put off sentencing to today pending a probationary report he ordered because of Padua’s age.

His lawyer, in mitigation, said what could have been a romantic night became a foolish mistake for which Padua was remorseful and had apologized to the woman.

Magistrate Cheung then told him, “This is a serious offence. The facts are also serious. You took advantage of the victim.”

DMW reminds agencies and employers not to take OFW passports

 

Philippine passports are the property of the government, says the advisory

A directive issued by the Department of Migrant Workers recently reiterated the government’s long-standing policy against overseas Filipino works (OFWs) being deprived of their passports.

The advisory, reposted by the Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong on August 14, reminded recruitment agencies, principals or foreign employers, and any third party that they must not withhold or confiscate an OFW’s passport “for deployment, employment, accommodation of as collateral for loans.”

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There are only two exceptions to this rule: (1) when the passport is withheld for visa stamping and required documentation by embassies or consulates; or (2) for immigration-related processing, when official procedures mandate temporary surrender.

OFWs are reminded they must always be in possession of their passports 

OFWs in turn are advised to retain custody of their passports at all times, except under the situations described above. When a passport is temporarily withheld from them, the OFWs must ensure it is returned to them immediately upon completion of the transaction.

Any agency or employer found to withhold OFWs passport as a policy or practice may be subjected to disciplinary action, including disqualification, suspension or cancellation of accreditation, said the DMW.

The Labor advisory is pursuant to the Philippine Passport Act of 1996, which states that the passport  is  “the property of the Philippine government and should remain in the possession of its holder at all times, including OFWs, particularly prior to departure and during the deployment period.”

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In Hong Kong, many OFWs use their passports as security or collateral for loans they contract with private individuals or groups that charge usurious rates.

Once the OFW is found to have voluntarily surrendered her passport to a loan shark, the Consulate will issue a replacement document only after the worker undertakes not to hock it again.

 

Podul begins to dissipate; more rains, thunderstorms seen

 

Podul as tracked by the HK Observatory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Signal 1 up; Podul nearing HK but weakening

 

Podul tracking by HK Observatory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Philippines takes part in HK Food Expo

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

2 Pinay DHs get jail sentences for theft

 

Filipina admitted stealing jewelry and cash (Photo for illustration only)

Two Filipina domestic helpers today pleaded guilty to stealing money and jewelry from their employers, and were jailed for 12 months and two months, respectively.

Jovy Santiago, 32 years old, received  the one-year  sentence from a Acting Principal Magistrate Daniel Tang Siu-hung after she pleaded guilty at Tuen Mun Court to stealing $211,800 worth of jewelry and cash from her employer’s home in Shek Wu Ting in Pat Heung, Yuen Long.

The stolen items consisted of a pair of gold bracelets worth $85,000, two gold bracelets worth $20,000, two diamond rings worth $58,800, one baby gold bracelet worth $8,000, one gold ring worth $18,000, HK$5,000 in cash, 10,000 renminbi in cash, and one necklace worth $7,000.

The thefts were committed between Feb. 1 and March 3 this year, according to the brief facts filed in court by the Yuen Long Police.

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In a separate case, Aubrey Canusa, 37 years old, was jailed for two months by Magistrate Li Chi-ho, after she pleaded guilty in West Kowloon Court to stealing a wallet containing $25,000 from her employer who lived at Banyan Garden on Lai Chi Kok Road in Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon.

The theft took place on an unknown date between Jan. 22 and May 1 this year, according to information filed by the Sham Shui Po Police.

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Meanwhile, a third Filipina accused of theft was remanded in jail after her case was adjourned by Acting Principal Magistrate David Cheung at Eastern Court.

Magistrate Cheung set a hearing for Mylyn Masajo, 34 years old, on September 23 for plea.

She is accused of eight counts of theft allegedly committed between Feb. 15 and June 5 this year at her employer’s home in Harbour Heights in North Point.

 

 

 

New chikungunya case brings HK total to 6

 

Graphic from Centre for Health Protection

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems.

Shops pull out sodas from shelves following urine contamination case

 

Police brief the press on case (The Standard photo)

If you can’t find Coca Cola Plus and 7-Up in Wellcome or ParkNShop these days, no need to worry. They were pulled out as an offshoot of a nasty vendetta but will be back soon.

The two brands of softdrinks were pulled from their shelves as a precaution following a case in West Kowloon where a 63-year-old man surnamed Law refilled bottles of the two soda brands with his own urine and then returned them to a supermarket’s shelves as retaliation for its staff being rude.

The offense came to light after a nine-year-old boy purchased a contaminated bottle of Coke Plus, felt unwell after drinking it and was taken to hospital. It was found later that the Coke Plus he drank was contaminated with urine.

His mother complained to police, who traced the contaminated bottle to Law.

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Alerted by police, supermarket staff inspected their shelves and found more tampered bottles, which they removed from shelves.

Wellcome said it takes the incident very seriously and has pulled the two soda brands from its stores to inspect the bottles if they had been contaminated. 

ParkNShop said all branches have been instructed to remove these two items from shelves and step up store inspections, although it has yet to receive customer complaints about contaminated products.

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Police have arrested the unemployed suspect who lived alone in Sham Shui Po. Seized from him were clothes, a backpack, a bottle of urine, and several unopened soda bottles.

In a statement, the police condemned the suspect’s actions as "not only a food safety violation but also a vile crime" as it poses a serious public health risk.

He is expected to face criminal charges at the West Kowloon Court.