PH gov’t assures support for 6 OFWs arrested in Hong Kong

By Marita Moaje, Philippine News Agency

“The DMW-OWWA-MWO is in coordination with DFA-PCG to provide legal assistance and visitations to the detention facility. We are also reaching out to the families to provide support and assistance,” Cacdac said. (File Photo: Department of Migrant Workers/Facebook)

MANILA – Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has assured that the Philippine government is extending full legal and welfare assistance to the six overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) arrested in Hong Kong for alleged unapproved employment and other offenses.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Cacdac said the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is now working closely with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Hong Kong to assist the detained workers.

“The DMW-OWWA-MWO is in coordination with DFA-PCG to provide legal assistance and visitations to the detention facility. We are also reaching out to the families to provide support and assistance,” Cacdac said.

The PCG in Hong Kong on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of the six Filipino Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) by the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) in an anti-illegal worker operation in Sham Shui Po on Aug. 17.

“The said FDWs are currently detained by the Hong Kong Immigration Department (HK ImmD) for breach of condition of stay by taking up unapproved employment and establishing, or joining in business in Hong Kong; and falsely pretending to be a dentist,” the PCG said in a statement.

Hong Kong ImmD investigators earlier reported the arrest, adding that they were able to confiscate dental equipment and tools allegedly used for teeth scaling, orthodontic treatments, and denture making during the raid.

It hinted at the possibility that more persons would be arrested, as the investigation proceeds.

The ImmD also referred the case to the relevant Hong Kong department for a follow-up investigation into the suspected violation of the Dentists Registration Ordinance by the foreign domestic workers.

The ImmD reminded the public that foreign domestic workers are strictly prohibited from taking up any work outside their employment contract, including part-time domestic duties with any other person aside from their employer.

“Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him/her shall be guilty of an offence. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of USD50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties,” the ImmD said.

OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, in a message to the Philippine News Agency on Thursday, assured the public that Manila is in full coordination with the relevant Hong Kong department while the investigation is underway.