Campaign restarts for colorectal screening for those aged 50 up

 

Poster for the colorectal screening campaign

The Department of Health has again called on Hong Kong residents born between 1950 and 1976 (50 years old to 75) to enroll in the government-subsidized colorectal screening program (CRCSP) from Jan 1, 2026.

The program aims to lower the risk of colorectal cancer among those who fall within the targeted age group by offering them subsidized or even free colorectal screening tests at accredited private clinics every two years.

Colorectal cancer is on record as third most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death in Hong Kong.

DETAILS HERE

Last year, 15 percent of more than 579,000 elderly residents who were enrolled in the program showed positive results, indicating the importance of early detection.

According to Dr Edwin Tsui, controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, there were 5,467 newly diagnosed colorectal cancer in 2023, accounting for 14.4 percent of all new cancer cases.

“Colorectal cancer screenings can identify people at higher risk of colorectal cancer and asymptomatic patients, and enable them to receive early treatment, thus significantly improving prognosis,” said Dr. Tsui.

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“Also, removing colorectal adenoma during a colonoscopy can prevent it from developing into cancer.”

Through a public-private partnership model, qualified residents can get the subsidized  colorectal screening tests every two years in the private sector.

Those who wish to participate in the CRCSP should first attend a medical consultation with a primary care doctor who will then arrange a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) screening.

If the FIT result is positive, the participant will be referred to an enrolled colonoscopy specialist to receive a colonoscopy examination subsidised by the Government. If the FIT result is negative, the participant is advised to repeat the screening two years later.

As of the end of November 2025, over 66,000 new participants have enrolled in the program, bringing the total number to more than 579,000.

Among them, 15% yielded positive FIT results. After further screening, about 45,000 persons or 7.9% were diagnosed to have colorectal adenomas, and about 3 800 persons (0.7 per cent) had colorectal cancer after colonoscopy examination.

The DH said analysis showed that more than 50 per cent of the colorectal cancer cases detected under the CRCSP were in the early stages, demonstrating the effectiveness of screening.
     
Currently, more than 1,200 PCDs are enrolled in the program with about 2,300 clinics and 260 colonoscopy experts to provide services.

More than 70 percent of these clinics do not charge extra for colonoscopy and polyp removal while specialists should only charge a maximum co-payment amount of $1,000 for a standard colonoscopy.

Eligible persons who are interested in joining the program must enrol in the Electronic Health System (eHealth) at www.ehealth.gov.hk or call the Registration Office at 3467 6300 for details.
 
For more information on the CRCSP, please visit the DH's thematic website www.colonscreen.gov.hk or call the dedicated hotline (3565 6288) during office hours.

 

 

 

Pinay DH accused of $159,400 theft fails in bail bid

Theft allegedly took place in The Arles (Google Maps photo)

A Filipina domestic helper accused of stealing jewelry and gadgets worth $159,400 from her employer, returned to jail today after failing to convince the Shatin Court in a bail review to free her temporarily.

Magistrate Raymond Wong said Janet Pamittan, 51 years old, failed to present new facts to indicate a change of circumstances in the case. He adjourned the case to Feb. 3.

DETAILS HERE

Pamittan is accused of theft, contrary to section 9 of the Theft Ordinance.

A Shatin Police complaint alleged that she stole one diamond ring in white color valued at $100,000, one Chanel necklace  valued at $50,000, two Chanel bracelets valued at $70,000, one necklace valued at $2,000, one bluetooth speaker valued at $250 and one power bank valued at $150-HKD – all owned by female Xu Li.

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The theft allegedly took place last Dec. 21 at one of the flats in The Arles on Au Pui Wan Street. Shatin.

East Coast Boardwalk opens to public

 

The  newly completed part of the East Coast Boardwalk connects various districts on HK island

Anybody can now run, jog or walk the entire length of the promenade on Hong  Kong island east,  with the opening on Monday of the last kilometer of the East Coast Boardwalk, which connects Fortress Hill to Shau Kei Wan.

This walkway by the harbourfront is the last link that connects13 km-long harbourfront on Hong Kong island, from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan.

DETAILS HERE

It spans some 2.2 kilometers under the Island Eastern Corridor, and is equally divided into the eastern and western sections. 

The western section which connects the East Coast Park and the North Point Promenade, was opened earlier this year.

The newly opened eastern part extends from the North Point Promenade to Hoi Yu Street in Quarry Bay.

A favorite among visitors is this glass walkway where one can seemingly walk on water

A key attraction of the newly opened eastern section is an experiential glass observatory deck where visitors can walk on a transparent walkway and peer into the waters below while enjoying the sea breeze.

Entrance is free but to prevent slipping or damaging the glass deck, visitors are asked to put on shoe covers before entering,

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On the East Coast Broadwalk, the public is encouraged to join various activities such as walking, jogging or biking. But if the person is not so inclined, there is a separate pedestrian pathway that can be taken.

There are eight theme areas on the walk, four on each side. On the western side there is Sun Wave, Play Wave, Fish Wave and Gather Wave. In the eastern side there is Pet Wave, Sky Wave, Art Wave and Wave Hub.

On the Boardwalk passersby one can simply sit on cascade-shaped benches to watch the sunset, visit the play area and try the fitness equipment and the glass observation desk. It is a pet-friendly place so visitors may bring along their pets, but they should be leashed.

The various open spaces along the promenade may also be used for hosting art exhibitions and community activities.

The East Coast Boardwalk opens 24 hours a day, but the movable swing bridge will only be in operation from 6am to 11 pm and the glass observatory deck, from 10 am to 6pm

There are five access points to the Eastern Section:

1) Turn right from Shu Kuk Street towards North Point Promenade (about a 4-minute walk from Exit A1 of North Point MTR Station);

2) Via a pedestrian ramp at Java Road adjacent to the North Point Vehicular Ferry Pier (about a 5-minute walk from Exit A1 of North Point MTR Station);

3) Via a link bridge from Man Hong Street (about a 8-minute walk from Exit A1 of North Point MTR Station);

4) Via a link bridge from Healthy Street East (about a 5-minute walk from Exit C of Quarry Bay MTR Station; a stair lift for wheelchair users will be installed in the third quarter next year); and

5) Via Hoi Yu Street (about a 5-minute walk from Exit C of Quarry Bay MTR Station).

 

Pinay remanded over 2 drug trafficking charges

 

Causeway Bay neighborhood where Filipina was arrested (Google Maps photo)

A Filipina who uses a recognizance form as an identity document, indicating she is seeking asylum in Hong Kong, was returned to jail today as her two-count drug trafficking case was adjourned at Eastern Court.

Joanne Miniano, 43 years old and unemployed, has been detained since she was arrested last Aug.19 at Phoenix Apartments  on Lee Garden Road, Causeway Bay.

DETAILS HERE

Magistrate Kestrel Lam scheduled the next hearing for Feb. 24.

The first charge of trafficking in a dangerous drug, contrary to sections 4(1)(a) and (3) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, arose from Miniano allegedly selling a cannabis oil cartridge at the eighth floor staircase of Phoenix Apartments.

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In the second  drug trafficking case, Miniano was alleged to have for sale 138 Etomidate cartridges cannabis oil cartridge, and 14 packets of cannabis gummies inside a flat on the eighth floor of  Phoenix Apartments.

 

Rizal expert's talk caps HK celebration of 50th year of PH-China ties

Be like Rizal, PCG tells all Filipinos

The Consulate General in Hong Kong has called on every Filipino to embody Dr. Jose Rizal’s peaceful advocacy for reform, education, reason and civic duty, as it commemorates the 129^th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Philippines’ national hero.

Dr. Rizal, a renowned ophthalmologist, had briefly set up practice in what is now known as D’Aguilar Street in Central, Hong Kong, and lived on Rednaxela Terrace in the Mid-Levels.

DETAILS HERE

It was thus fitting that the PCG had capped its year-long celebration of the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Hong Kong and China by co-sponsoring through its Sentro Rizal a talk by foremost Rizal historian, Dr. Ambeth Ocampo, at Dara Restaurant in Sai Ying Pun, last Nov. 26.

Dr Ocampo spoke on “Early Philippines-Hong Kong Historical Relations: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal” before an audience of Hong Kong residents, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the city’s academic, cultural, heritage, and commercial institutions.

During his engaging talk, Dr Ocampo also highlighted two more places linked to Rizal: a second residence on Arbuthnot Road and a second clinic on Duddell Street in Central, both of which have yet to get official recognition from Hong Kong’s Monuments and Antiquities Board. 

Dr Ambeth Ocampo (middle, right) sits beside Congen Jun Israel after the foremost
Rizal historian spoke to a select group of HK residents and diplomats 

A full write-up on his talk can be found here: bit.ly/458FJ2T

The article was only recently uploaded on the PCG’s website as the event unfortunately coincided with the tragic fire in Tai Po that killed 161 people, including a Filipino domestic worker.

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“The Consulate General respectfully acknowledges this context and conveys its deepest sympathies to the victims and their families, underscoring the importance of solidarity in moments of both cultural celebration and community grief. The event was co-presented by PHCham Hong Kong & Macau,” the article said in part.

Pinay held for wounding

 

West Kowloon Court

A Filipina has been remanded in jail after appearing today at West Kowloon Court on a charge of wounding a fellow Filipina in Discovery Bay.

Isabelita Quijalvo, 40 years old and unemployed, will remain detained on orders of Principal Magistrate Don So who adjourned the case to Jan. 27.

DETAILS HERE

A complaint filed by Lantau Police did not specify Quijalvo’s offense, aside from alleging that she “unlawfully and  maliciously inflict(ed) grievous bodily harm” on the victim, Marianie Wanal.

The alleged attack reportedly took place last Nov. 29 inside a flat in Sienna Two in Discovery Bay.

DETAILS HERE

Police charged Quijalvo with violation of section 19 of the Offenses Against the Person Ordinance.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Court ordered the continued detention of Ma. Divina Yap, 49, who is charged with trafficking in a dangerous drug, contrary to section 4(1)(a) and (3) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.

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A police complaint alleged that Yap “unlawfully trafficked in a dangerous drug, namely, 22.37 grammes of a crystalline solid containing 22.37 grammes of methamphetamine hydrochloride” on Aug. 1 last year at the basement of a building in High Street, Sai Ying Pun.

Magistrate Minnie Wat adjourned the case to Jan. 22.

Online applications for PSA documents, driver's licence renewal kick off

 

Filipinos living overseas will no longer have to go back home and queue up for important documents with new online services being offered by such government agencies such as the Land Transportation Office or the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The Philippine Consulate has announced that applications for a certified true copy of birth, marriage, death certificates of certificate of no marriage can already be done online through the PSAHelpline International Service (PSAHelpline.ph)

DETAILS HERE

Once the required information is provided in the online form, the PSA documents will be sent to applicants in whatever part of the world they are in

 For details, please read here: https://psa.gov.ph/content/public-advisory-94

Sample driver's licence

Separately, media organizations in the Philippines have announced that drivers’ license renewal can now be done fully online so there will no longer be a need to queue up for the service at LTO.

Applications will have to be made by going to the eGvoPH app, then navigate to the LTO section and select “Renew Your Driver's License".

All of the required documents must be uploaded including a medical certificate for fitness from a licensed clinic, and the CDE or comprehensive driver’s education exam available via the LTMS Portal.

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Then pay the fees and receive a digital licence. Currently the fee is P350 for license renewal.

For those who are abroad an authorized representative in the Philippines should be named. This representative will have to submit to the LTO the following: photocopies of the applicant’s passport to prove identity and absence from the country, letter of authority to make the renewal of application, plus a photocopy of the expiring driver’s license.

The documents should be submitted directly to LTO, its license section at the Central Office (within the NCR) or to any LRO district offices outside Metro Manila.

Fees should then be made using digital wallets in the amount of Php350. A driver’s receipt will be sent electronically which will serve as a temporary driver’s license.

On the applicant’s return to the Philippines he or she will have 30 days to personally appear at the LTO office where the application was submitted to pick up the actual license. 

 

 

Man held for carrying retractable baton in luggage

 

Sample of an extendable baton

Here’s a fresh warning for those flying out of Hong Kong to never bring with them any prohibited weapon or item, whether in their carry-on or checked-in baggage.

A 62-year-old Hong Kong man was arrested on Friday, Dec 26, after security staff conducting routine screening of outbound baggage discovered what appeared to be a prohibited weapon inside his checked luggage bound for the United States.

After police were called, they found that the man had allegedly packed a retractable baton in his checked suitcase, which is classified as a prohibited weapon.

DETAILS HERE

Other items in this category include guns, imitation guns, bullets, and even chemical substances that can incapacitate or disable a person, such as pepper spray, mace or tear gas.

The man was arrested on suspicion of contravening the Aviation Security Ordinance, which forbids anyone from carrying with them any prohibited items in their luggage, both hand-carried or checked-in.

He was released on police bail pending further investigation.

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In the past, many inbound passengers or even those in transit, have been stopped at Hong Kong International Airport for carrying such items in their luggage, with many claiming not to know that this was illegal.

They included Filipino travelers, some of them seafarers who either had bullets in their bags which they said served as amulets, or extendable batons they took fancy on in the mainland.

At least one Filipino, a tourist bound for Britain, was also held at the airport in 2018 after his luggage was found to contain both an extendable baton and several tear gas canisters, which he said his male employer had asked him to take to London. He was lucky he was let off with just a $1,000 fine.

Man who assaulted FDH loses appeal against conviction & sentence

 

Residential estate n Tin Hau (Google Maps photo)

A man who appealed to the High Court to reverse his conviction and sentence of probation for assault  occasioning actual bodily harm inflicted on a foreign domestic helper, almost ended up in jail instead, in a decision that came out last Christmas eve.

“... after viewing all the CCTV footages, I find the attack violent, and having taken twice, I have in mind at one stage whether the probation order should be changed to some form of imprisonment term…,” said Deputy High Court Judge Frankie Yiu in a decision dated Aug. 27 but published by the High Court last Dec. 24. “But after considering all the matters, I do not intend to reverse the finding.”

Judge Frankie Yiu sustained the Eastern Court’s decision to convict A. F. Guerrero and sentence him to probation for 12 months.

DETAILS HERE

The case began when Guerrero, who was walking his dog, scolded the DH for letting her employer’s son ride a bicycle in the platform that connected the five towers of Pavilia Hill, a luxury residential estate in Tin Hau.

The dispute resulted in Guerrero being tried at Eastern Court, which found him to have snatched the DH’s phone while she was filming him and threw it away, pushed her to the ground and hit her twice with his bag. The DH sustained scratches to her knees and pain in her hips as a result.

Guerrero stopped only after a security guard who testified for the prosecution intervened and separated the two.

Through his lawyer, Guerrero questioned these findings, claiming it was the DH who pushed him and punched his chest after he brushed away her phone, that she rushed to strangle his dog, causing her to fall, and that he did not attack her at any time.

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He asserted that the magistrate who ruled against him erred in rejecting his evidence and evaluating the defense case, erred in considering whether all the elements of the crime have been proved and made unsafe inferences on the available evidence, such as the CCTV footage.

Judge Yiu rejected all these assertions, saying “the Magistrate did not convict the Appellant simply because his evidence was rejected, but simply finding sufficient evidence from the prosecution's case to convict the Appellant.“

He noted that the CCTV footage contradicts Guerrero’s  assertions.

Judge Yiu added: “When rejecting the claim of self-defense, the Magistrate correctly held that ‘he has no genuine subjective belief that there was a need of self-defense’.” 

The judge also rejected the appellant's argument that his sentence was manifestly excessive, citing several cases that resulted in a fine or a discharge order. Guerrero's lawyer told the court his client had already lost his high-paying job in a financial institution because of the case.

"Obviously, in this case, the probation order, as I said, after trial is really too lenient to the Appellant and clearly not manifestly excessive, particularly after trial of the case. So the appeal against sentence is also dismissed accordingly," said the judge.

Travellers urged: keep safe from mosquitoes

 

Hong Kong health authorities today reiterated their appeal for people, especially those travelling abroad, to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes, as two new imported cases of dengue fever were reported during the Christmas holidays -- one of them arriving from the Philippines.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is monitoring mosquito-borne diseases dengue fever (DF) and chikungunya fever (CF) because temperatures in subtropical and some temperate regions (including neighboring Southeast Asian countries) remain favorable for mosquito breeding, CHP Controller Dr Edwin Tsui said

Dr Tsui reminded people travelling to areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases to prevent mosquito bites by wearing loose, light-colored, long-sleeved tops and trousers and applying insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or exposed parts of the body.

DETAILS HERE

During Dec. 19-25, the CHP recorded two imported dengue cases, one each from the Philippines and Cambodia, bringing the number of imported DF cases to 59 so far this year. Last year, 161 cases of DF were recorded, 156 of them imported and five local cases.

DF is prevalent in tourist destinations such as Indonesia, India and Vietnam which have recorded over 100,000 cases so far this year; Malaysia and Thailand with over 40 000 cases; and Singapore, over 3 500 cases. The Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded 3,579 locally infected cases so far this year.

While no new cases of chikungunya fever were recorded during the holidays, Hong Kong already has 81 confirmed CF cases this year, 11 of them local cases and the rest imported.

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Some local cases of CF were found to have visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails or the surrounding area, prompting the government to close the trails until further notice.

The CHP continues to urge individuals who have recently hiked along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails to seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop relevant symptoms and to call the enquiry hotline (Tel: 2125 2373), which operates from 9am to 6pm.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has been conducting fogging operations along Tsing Yi Nature Trails and surrounding areas.

The FEHD has also set up new mosquito trapping devices, cleared discarded containers and garbage that could cause stagnant water, and applied larvicide oil or larvicides in areas with stagnant water that cannot be removed immediately.

The FEHD has been collaborating with the Kwai Tsing District Office, the Lands Department and the Drainage Services Department to strengthen efforts in eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails.

The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to help in mosquito control measures early, removing potential breeding places in their homes, 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.

Bundle up amid cold snap, doctors say

 

Bundle up and mask up to protect yourself from cold, say doctors

The sudden drop in temperatures on Christmas day has prompted doctors to urge people, especially the elderly, to ensure that they do not get exposed to the cold, as it could lead to hypothermia.

 

Those with this condition may simply feel tired, but their life could be in danger if they don’t warm up quickly enough.

 

For those with heart problems, a sudden chill can lead to chest pains, and possibly acute heart problems. They are thus advised to monitor their blood pressure regularly and seek treatment in case of a sudden spike, or if they experience discomfort or chest pains.

 

DETAILS HERE

People are also warned that the cold snap could lead to a rise in seasonal flu and cough cases, so they should avoid attending large gatherings, or to wear a face mask in public.

 

The Hong Kong Observatory said a northeast monsoon caused temperatures to drop between and 8 degrees by midday on Thursday.

 

They further dipped overnight, reaching around 13 degrees I the urban areas on Friday morning.

 

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Residents have been advised to monitor weather changes, and to dress warmly. Family members are also urged to pay special attention to the elderly and the disabled or with chronic illnesses to ensure they do not get exposed to the cold.

 

The Observatory said the dry monsoon will persist over Guangdong, including Hong Kong, through the weekend and early next week. It will be mostly sunny during the day, but cold at night.