Phl warns against online offers of call center jobs abroad

 

The Department of Migrant Workers has warned against call center jobs in other countries offered on social media, which often require an immediate departure from the Philippines.

According to a DMW post on Facebook, those who take up the fake job offers are sent by syndicates to Thailand, Singapore or Vietnam as tourists, before being taken to nearby Cambodia, Myanmar or Laos to work as scammers.

Recently, Nigeria appears to have been added to the list of places favored by illegal recruiters of Filipinos.

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A separate advisory said a group of Filipinos has been arrested in Abuja and Lagos recently over allegations of cybercrime, economic sabotage and violations of Nigerian immigration laws.

It turned out the Filipinos were recruited to travel to Nigeria from Dubai, United Arab Emirates on tourist visas, and were made to believe that they would be issued work permits on arrival in Nigeria.

In truth, the Nigerian government does not allow the conversion of tourist visas to work permits. Filipinos who wish to work there are required to first secure a Subject to Regularization visa from the Nigerian embassy in the Philippines.

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The DMW advises the public to first verify the job offers made to them online, and to remain cautious to avoid falling victim to illegal recruiters.

They should also resist any attempts to involve them in third-country deployment as this is not only illegal under Philippine laws, it could also leave them easy targets for crime syndicates.

Those who wish to report to DMW any possible illegal recruitment offer may send an email to airtipinfo@dmw.gov.ph or on its Facebook page: DMW Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons Program.

2 Filipinas detained for theft, breach of deportation order

 

Two Filipinas accused of being pickpockets before the Eastern Court were returned to jail today after the prosecutor asked for an adjournment pending further inquiries and for legal advice.

Jan-Ann Benlot, 30 years old, and Rebecca Quirante, 67, were remanded until the next hearing on Feb. 25 since they had no bail application.

Both face three theft charges, plus an additional charge of breach of deportation order for Quirante.

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“See you again,” Principal Magistrate Don So told them as they walked out of the courtroom.

In the first charge, Benlot and Quirante were accused of stealing a wallet containing $2,000 and 80 Chinese yuan on Nov. 10 last year at the ground floor of the Emperor Watch & Jewellery Centre on Russel St., Causeway Bay.

PINDUTIN DITO

For the second charge, they were accused of stealing a wallet containing an Octopus card and $1,500 last Nov. 14 at the first floor of the Yoho Mall in Yuen Long.

Benlot and Quirante allegedly stole a mobile phone that same day on the ground floor of Hung Yick Bldg. on Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po, giving rise to the third theft charge.

Basahin ang detalye!

An additional charge was filed against Quirante for not leaving on June 9, 1987 and staying despite being the subject of a deportation order and “prohibited from being in Hong Kong at any time thereafter,” according to the complaint filed by police.

HK says Thailand to help repatriate trafficked Hongkongers in SEA

 

Security USec Cheuk meets with Thai justice officials in Bangkok

Hong Kong security chief Chris Tang said earlier today that senior Thai officials have promised to do their best to help ensure the safe return of some 12 Hongkongers who were reportedly forced to do illegal work in Southeast Asia.

The SAR has so far received 28 requests for assistance from Hong Kong residents who claimed to have been detained in the region, but 16 have already returned to the city.

The remaining 12 reported being restricted in their movements but were safe, and could remain in touch with a task force set up by the government to help them.

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The task force, led by Undersecretary for Security Michael Cheuk, left for Bangkok yesterday to meet with Thai government officials and representatives of the Chinese embassy.

Thailand’s help is being sought as it often serves as the jump-off point for workers recruited from different Asian countries including the Philippines, to work illegally in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and other nearby areas.

Last month, 27 Filipinos were repatriated from Phnom Penh, Cambodia after being rescued from traffickers who forced them to work as love scammers between late 2022 and early 2023.

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Twelve of the 27 departed the country illegally via boat from Zamboanga, while the remaining 14 left as tourists who claimed they were traveling abroad for a holiday. One left as a documented overseas Filipino worker but was supposedly bound for Palau and not Cambodia.

The rescued Filipinos said they were made to scam elderly men living in the United Kingdom. Some said they were abused and tortured in their workplace, and were later sold by their Chinese employers to another company.

Another 13 pregnant Filipino women hired to serve as surrogate mothers were also repatriated from Cambodia on Dec. 29, after being charged and sentenced to four years in prison for working with syndicates offering babies for sale to foreigners.

The women were released early after receiving royal pardon.

In the case of the 28 Hongkongers, Secretary Tang told reporters that not one of them was abducted.

However, all were forced to do illegal work and were not allowed to leave their workplace freely.

Members of Hong Kong’s task force have so far met with representatives of Thailand’s justice ministry, and were assured that the government would do its utmost to help with the safe return of the Hong Kong captives.

The task force comprises officials from the Security Bureau, as well as police and the Immigration Department.

Before leaving Hong Kong, Cheuk told reporters the traffickers are using new methods to lure victims to countries where they operate, like asking people to help bring packages to Japan or Taiwan, but then changing the destination to a Southeast Asian country at the last minute.

The Security Bureau called on the public to be wary of responding to online job offers which are too good to be true, like those that offer high pay but do not require any work experience or  academic qualification.

 

Lesson learned: Don’t use employer’s things

 

Monterey development in Tseung Kwan O 

Do not use anything owned by your employer, or you may end up being accused of stealing.

A Filipina domestic helper learned this lesson today when she appeared at Kwun Tong Court, accused of two counts of theft – one for stealing a face mask worth $30 and a hair conditioner worth $30; the other for stealing hair conditioner for $30.

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In the end, A. Delon, 36, pleaded guilty and was sentenced by Magistrate Pang Leung-ting, to two weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months for each charge. This means she will not have to serve her sentence if she does not reoffend in the next one and a half years.

Instead of a total of $90, the supposed value of what she stole, Delon was told to compensate her former employer, Chen Tianyan, for $30.

Basahin ang detalye!

The offenses were committed on Sept. 14 and 15, 2024 at Chen’s flat in Monterey on Tong Chun St. in Tseung Kwan O.

Migrants oppose 15% SSS contribution for 2025

 

Unifil-Migrante protesting against the higher SSS contributions in 2018

Militant organizations, including United Filipinos-Migrante Hong Kong, have slammed the increase to 15% of monthly premium contributions to the Social Security System of Filipino workers in the private sector, including those who are abroad.

In line with Republic Act (RA) No 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018 passed under the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the premium contributions were raised to 12% of the workers’ monthly salary in 2019 (from the previous 11%), and would gradually increase, reaching 15% by 2025.

The total monthly premium is supposed to be shared by employers and employees, but OFWs who have been categorized as self-employed, are required to shoulder the total amount. This would mean a monthly contribution of P5,280 for each, if their salary is beyond the P35,000 ceiling set under the SSS charter.

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In practice, however, those who are overseas are not compelled to pay – at least, for now – the adjusted monthly premiums, so most still pay the lowest contribution of P960 per month. But since this pegs the OFWs’ monthly salary at only Php8,000, the benefits that will accrue to the member would also be minimal.

Unifil-Migrante, as well as its affiliate party-list group Bayan Muna, have slammed the higher contribution rate, calling it an additional burden to workers already struggling with multiple price increases at the start of 2024.

Former Bayan Muna party-list representative Carlos Zarate had harsher words for the mandated increase, calling it “sadistic” and “savage” during a Facebook live interview by Migrante Hong Kong last Thursday.

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Zarate said that unfortunately the amended SSS charter had already passed into law, so the only legal way to stop its further implementation is by way of legislative amendment.

But what makes the higher contribution fees even more unconscionable, according to him, is SSS’ act of passing on its failure to collect billions of pesos from employers who failed to pay their share of the premiums, or remit the money they had already collected from their employees, to members.

Zarate said the uncollected employers’ share of membership premiums amount to more than Php86 billion, while the unremitted employees’ contributions total Php92.4 billion.

On top of these, he said SSS has failed to collect a total of Php84.55 billion in loans.

Even if only  a portion of these amounts is collected, SSS could very well meet its target of raising Php51.5 billion this year, he said.

Zarate also hit out at the fat salaries and allowances paid by SSS to its top brass, which often put them among the highest paid officials in government-owned and controlled corporations.

Another former Bayan Muna Congressman, Neri Colmenares, slammed the failure of SSS to pay an additional P1,000 in monthly pension to senior citizens, which was ordered by former President Duterte in 2016.

"Ang kapal ng mukha ng SSS na magtaas ng contribution rate habang hindi pa nga naibibigay ang pangakong dagdag-pensyon. Para sa SSS board, mas mahalaga pa ang fund life ng SSS at ang matataas nilang sahod at perks kaysa sa buhay ng mga miyembro nito na pinanggagalingan naman ng pondo ng ahensya,” said Colmenares, who authored the Php2,000 pension increase.

(The nerve of SSS to raise the contribution rate when it has failed to pay the promised additional pension. For the SSS board members, the fund life of SSS and their high salaries and perks are more important than the lives of members from where the agency’s fund comes from).

Colmenares called for the immediate suspension of the new SSS contribution rates, citing the agency’s failure to improve the efficiency of its collection.

 

 

Flu season begins; public urged to take precautions

 

Photo credit: CHP

Hong Kong has entered the flu season and with one unvaccinated four-year-old child hospitalized with severe flu complications, Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau has raised the alarm that more than 160 schools have refused to join the government’s in-campus vaccination program.

“We actually listed out all the schools in November last year for the first time. It is the fact which I think should be available to the public,” Professor Lo said.

“If the parents are not aware that their schools are not offering the program, they would not be aware of the fact that they would need to bring their kids to private clinics, or whatever facilities, to arrange vaccinations for their own kid(s),” he said.

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“Vaccinations are the most protective way in preventing serious flu complications, including hospital admission and even deaths,” he added.

Last year saw 35 children suffer from severe flu complications, six of whom died.

For its part, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) also urged elderly persons, especially those residing in residential care homes, to receive both a seasonal influenza vaccination and a COVID-19 vaccination.

“The public should also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against respiratory illnesses,” it added.

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It offered some health pointers to avoid the flu:

• Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Avoid touching one's eyes, mouth and nose;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
• Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.

 For more health information, the public may call the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111) or visit the CHP's website (https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/index.html)and Facebook Fanpage (https://www.facebook.com/CentreforHealthProtection/).

The public may also call Dial-a-Weather (1878 200) or visit the website of the Hong Kong Observatory for the latest weather information and forecasts, or its page on Weather Information for Senior Citizens (https://www.hko.gov.hk/en/sports/socare/socare.htm).

 

Temperatures to dip to 11 degrees on Sunday

 

Avoid exposure to cold winds so you don't get sick, says the Observatory

Contrary to earlier forecast, the cold snap is not likely to dissipate on Sunday, but it will instead be colder, with temperatures dropping to 11 degrees or even lower in the early morning.

The Hong Kong Observatory also issued frost warnings twice on Saturday, at 7:45 am and 4:30pm, along with the advice for people to dress warmly and ensure proper ventilation indoors.

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Early on Saturday, the temperature plummeted to 11.5 degrees in the urban areas, the lowest this winter season.

Sunday will see temperatures ranging between 11 and 18 degrees on the ground, and several degrees lower over parts of the New Territories and on high ground.

The barometer is forecast to plummet to a frigid 5 degrees Celsius in Ta Kwu Ling, making it the coldest spot in the territory. In other places like Sheung Shui, Tai Po and Shek Kong, a minimum temperature of around 8°C is expected.

Basahin ang detalye!

Monday will see a slightly warmer weather, with temperatures ranging between 13 and 18 degrees, before gradually reaching a high of 21 degrees on Wednesday. The rest of the week will be equally cold in the morning, but warm and pleasant in the afternoon.

Residents are urged to dress warmly and minimize exposure to cold winds, especially in the outdoors or on high ground, to avoid adverse health effects.

 

Raids against illegal workers net 7

 

Officers escort some of those arrested.

The government crackdown on illegal work has netted another seven persons in raids all over Hong Kong on Jan 7 to 9.

Of the seven, five were arrested by Immigration Department Task Force officers who raided 30 target locations including commercial buildings, a hair salon and restaurants. 

One of them, aged 36, was a suspected employer. 

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The four arrested for illegal work comprised three men and one woman, aged 31 to 52. Among them, three men were holders of recognizance forms, which prohibit them from taking any employment. One of the men was suspected of using and being in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card. 

In joint operations between Immigration and the Hong Kong Police Force, enforcement officers raided 46 target locations in Mong Kok district and arrested two women, both aged 48 and overstayers.

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An ImmD spokesman said, "Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties."

Overstaying tourist jailed 12 weeks

The Filipina pleaded guilty at Shatin court to overstaying 

A Filipina who did not leave when her two-week tourist visa expired and then overstayed for three years and nine months, has been jailed for 12 weeks.

Acting Principal Magistrate Cheang Kei-hong handed Joelyn Tenorio, 51 years old, the sentence after she pleaded guilty during a hearing on Thursday (Jan. 9) .

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Tenorio had been charged by the Immigration Department with breaching her condition of stay, contrary to section 41 of the Immigration Ordinance.

She was given until Oct. 29, 2020 to leave, under a condition of stay set by the Immigration Department when she was permitted to land in Hong Kong.

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However, she did not leave until she was arrested on July 15, 2024.

During the period, she applied for non-refoulement with the Immigration Department to seek protection from being deported.

She had been issued a recognizance form to serve as her identification document,

DH avoids penalty for illegal work

 

Third Street in Sai Wan (Google Maps photo)

A Filipina domestic helper accused of doing odd jobs in a shop on Third Street in Sai Wan has gotten off lightly, with a bind-over agreement following a hearing at Shatin Court.

G.M. de Yro, 33 years old, had been charged with breaching her condition of stay, which prohibits her from taking up employment other than with her registered employer, in a complaint filed by the Immigration Department on Nov. 28 last year.

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She was charged with violating section 41 of the Immigration Ordinance and Regulation 2 of Immigration Regulations, after she was found in a shop on July 24, 2023, which prescribes a penalty of a maximum fine at level 5 ($50,000) and imprisonment for 2 years..

Under the bind-over agreement she agreed to on Thursday (Jan. 9) before Acting Principal Magistrate Cheang Kei-hong, she would be fined $2,000 only if she reoffends within the next 18 months.

A bindover agreement also means there will be no record of the offence, unless the sentence is activated by the accused re-offending  

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With the agreement, prosecutors withdrew the charge. 

They had earlier offered no evidence against her.

Frost forecast, with temperatures dropping to 11 degrees

 

Frost is expected in Ta Kwu Ling, New Territories (RTHK file photo)

The Hong Kong Observatory has issued a cold weather warning Thursday afternoon, saying residents should expect temperatures to drop significantly overnight and in the next few days.

Friday will see the temperature dropping to 12 degrees in the urban areas, and a couple of degrees lower in the New Territories and on high ground.

It will be colder on Saturday, when the lowest temperature is forecast to drop to 11 degrees early in the morning.

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Frost is also expected to appear in the inland areas of the New Territories and on high ground during the weekend.

The Observatory noted that frost typically occurs from December to February in Hong Kong, with the last one being recorded in Ta Kwu Ling on Dec 24, 2023.

Residents are advised to wear thicker clothing as the wind chill factor on high ground will make it feel colder than the actual air temperature.

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The elderly should be paid special care as they are prone to feel the cold weather more. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold could lead to hypothermia.

The Observatory said an intense winter monsoon is currently affecting inland Guangdong, and will reach the coastal areas of Hong Kong starting Thursday night, causing a drastic drop in temperatures.

Waiting time for driving tests shorter, says TD

 

If you are applying for the two road tests that will qualify you for a driving license, you are likely to wait 190 days to be able to show to examiners that you have enough skills to deserve a pass.

This is a big improvement over the waiting time up to 300 days in 2022 despite rising demand for the service, according to Liu Chun-san, acting secretary for Transport and Logistics in his written reply to a question in the Legislative Council by Legco member Rock Chen.

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The waiting time for combined driving tests for private car (including "Part B – basic driving skill tests" and "Part C – road tests" and combined driving tests for light goods vehicle has returned to the pre-pandemic level, he said. The two tests follow the Part A - written test, which is quickly administered tio applicants.

Liu said the Transport Department continues to allocate resources and take “feasible measures to shorten the waiting time for road tests as far as practicable.”

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The TD is identifying suitable sites for setting up additional and more widely-distributed driving test centres (DTCs) that meet various requirements, such as being suitably located for testing whether the candidates have mastered all necessary driving skills, having sufficient traffic flow for the observation of the candidates' abilities in handling different road conditions, as well as taking into account the views of different stakeholders in the vicinity.

“In addition, the TD is studying the introduction of new technologies in driving tests to assist with the assessment,” while balancing such factors as “whether the relevant technology can accurately assess the driving skills of candidates, protection of the privacy of candidates, cost-effectiveness and the views of stakeholders,” he added.

Alarm raised over acute stomach ailment

 

Washing of hands with soap and water is top CHP advice

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has raised an alarm over the increasing number of cases of acute gastro enteritis (AGE) caused by norovirus.

AGE symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, low-grade fever and malaise. The symptoms are usually self-limiting and most people will get better within one to three days.

The increase in cases was shown in the latest surveillance data, including the number of AGE outbreaks as well as data from Accident and Emergency Departments (A&Es) and sentinel residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs).

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"There has been a significant increase in the number of patients attending A&Es with AGE symptoms and residents in sentinel RCHEs with vomiting,” CHP said in a statement.

“The number of AGE outbreaks increased sharply from seven recorded in the week ending December 28 last year to 19 in the week ending January 4, with some patient samples tested positive for norovirus in laboratory testing," CHP said.

"In the past two weeks most outbreaks were recorded at RCHEs. The causes include improper handling of vomitus and improper use of bleach for cleaning and disinfection. Besides, some residents of the RCHEs became infected in the community after their vacations, further spreading the infection in the RCHEs," it added.

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The CHP expects the norovirus activity to remain high during winter, with the risk rising because of the resumption of classes after the holidays.

The spokesman stressed that norovirus is highly infectious and susceptible individuals can be infected by exposure to even a small amount of norovirus. The virus can be transmitted through various channels such as eating contaminated food, contact with vomit or fecal matter from infected persons, and contact with contaminated objects.

“Vomiting in a confined space with poor ventilation poses a potential risk for an outbreak. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to properly and promptly clean up vomitus, and thoroughly disinfect the environment,” CHP said.

It also encouraged the washing of hands with soap and water, instead of using alcohol-based handrub, as alcohol does not effectively kill some viruses frequently causing AGE, such as norovirus.

CHP urged the public to observe the following measures against gastroenteritis:

Ensure proper personal hygiene;

Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating, after using the toilet or after changing diapers;

Wear gloves and wash hands after handling vomitus or faecal matter;

Clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with 1:49 diluted household bleach (by adding one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water). Wash hands thoroughly afterwards;

Stay home from work or school, and seek medical advice if suffering from vomiting or diarrhea;

Maintain good indoor ventilation;

Pay attention to food hygiene;

Use separate utensils to handle raw and cooked food;

Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked;

Drink boiled water; and

Do not patronize unlicensed food premises or food stalls.

Members of the public may visit the CHP's webpage (https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/33.html) for more information and preventive advice on norovirus infection.

2 DHs in jail for alleged thefts

 

Two Filipina domestic helpers accused of theft at Eastern Court are in jail to await their next court dates after their cases were adjourned.

Maribel Bringas, 42 years old, is accused of stealing two bracelets, one ring and other jewelry worth around $200,000 from her employer at Tung Shan Garden in Happy Valley between April 11 and May 31 last year, according to a police complaint filed last Aug. 3.

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Principal Magistrate Don So granted her lawyer’s request today for a bail review on Jan 15, in case circumstances in the case change.

He adjourned Bringas’ case to Jan. 17.

In the other case heard by Magistrate So on Tuesday (Nov. 7), Mary Grace Guillermo, 46 years old, was also remanded in jail until her case resumes on Feb. 4, since she had no bail application.

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Guillermo is accused of stealing one “Van Cleef & Arpels” 18 karat gold necklace valued at $26,832 from her employer on Shouson Road West between Aug 1 and Dec. 18 last year, according to a police complaint filed last Dec. 23.

Both are accused of violating section 9 of the Theft Ordinance.

Illegal pre-lunar new year renovation works lead to 29 arrests

All save one of the illegal workers arrested were from the Mainland

A total of 29 people, mostly suspected illegal workers, were arrested in an Immigration Department operation that targeted renovation works in the run-up to the Lunar New Year.

The arrested persons included 26 suspected illegal workers comprising 26 men, aged 20 to 57.

Two men and one woman, aged 44 to 56, were also arrested on suspicion of employing the workers in renovation works at two newly built public housing estates.

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At a news briefing held on Tuesday, an Immigration officer said the illegal workers comprised 25 who entered Hong Kong claiming to be mainland tourists, and one who had come from Indonesia. The employers were all local people.

Immigration said the campaign was launched last week in anticipation of a rash in renovation works at private homes in keeping with Lunar New Year tradition.

Immigration Deputy Commander Siu Ka-fai said that many people prefer to hire illegal workers for renovation and cleaning services to save on costs.

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But he said that while the cost was an important consideration, it is equally important to ensure that the hired workers can be legally employed.

Siu also warned that those who employ people who are not lawfully employable face even more severe penalties for violating the law.

Apart from the arrests, Immigration officers also distributed leaflets and deployed a promotional vehicle warning of severe consequences for those who employ illegal workers.

Under Hong Kong laws, all visitors in Hong Kong are not allowed to take up any job, whether paid or unpaid. Those found flouting this law face a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $50,000.

The maximum prison term goes up to three years if the illegal worker is also an overstayer, an asylum seeker or an illegal immigrant.

Employers of illegal workers face a more severe penalty of up to ten years in prison and a maximum fine of $500,000. In addition, an immediate custodial sentence is imposed on such employers in line with sentencing guidelines laid down by the High Court.