By Vir B. Lumicao
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| The arrested Filipinas are loaded onto a police van for questioning |
Eleven Filipina domestic helpers were arrested by police
during an anti-illegal gambling operation on Murray Road near Charter Garden in
Central this morning, Apr 25, the Hong Kong Police said.
As of 5pm today, the 11 were said to be still being held for questioning at the Central Police sub-station in Sheung Wan.
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| PRESS FOR DETAILS |
The police also said the women were issued fixed penalty tickets of $5,000 each for breaching the group gathering rules under Regulation 599G, or the Prevention and Control of Diseases.
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| PRESS FOR DETAILS |
The arrests took place at about 8:30 am today, when members of the Special Duty Squad, Task Force Sub-unit of the Central District, and the Police Tactical Unit, swooped down on the suspected illegal gamblers on Murray Road, a police spokeswoman said.
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| Pindutin para sa detalye |
Consul Paulo Saret, head of the Consulate’s assistance to
nationals section, said they will again issue an advisory warning Filipino
migrant workers that gambling in public is a criminal offense that could put
their jobs in jeopardy.
He said the Consulate has been advising the community against illegal gambling but some people do not seem to heed the advice.
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| The Consulate's repeated advice against street gambling continues to be ignored (File) |
Just last month, about 12 domestic workers were also arrested for illegal gambling in Central, said Saret. They were investigated but were not charged due to insufficient evidence.
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In today’s operation, several exhibits, including playing cards and an undetermined amount of gambling money, were seized by the officers, the spokeswoman said.
The Filipinas were reportedly being investigated for “gambling in a place other than a gambling establishment or on the street.”
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| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
The police reminded the public that street gambling is illegal. Under the law, anyone who engages in illegal gambling on the street faces a maximum sentence of $30,000 fine and nine months in prison.
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| Pindutin para sa detalye |
In addition, Regulation chapter 599G prohibits gatherings of more than four people in public. Offenders face a maximum penalty of $25,000 fine and imprisonment for six months.
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| Tunghayan ang isa na namang kwentong Dream Love |
But they may choose to discharge liability for the offence by paying a fixed penalty of $5,000.
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