MWO-OWWA Opens First Phase of OFW Global Centre in Hong Kong
HONG KONG — The Migrant Workers Office and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (MWO-OWWA) launched Phase 1 of its OFW Global Centre in Hong Kong on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in support services for Filipino migrant workers. The 20,000-square-foot facility, situated in Hong Kong's prime Admiralty district, opened its doors to throngs of Filipino workers who gathered to witness the...
Massive Blaze Destroys Hundreds of Homes in Manila Slum
MANILA, Philippines - Raging orange flames and thick black smoke billowed into the sky on Sunday as a devastating fire ripped through hundreds of closely built houses in a slum area of the Philippine capital. The Manila Fire District reported that approximately 1,000 homes were destroyed in the blaze, which is believed to have started on the second floor of...
Police Warn of Health Risks as “Space Oil” Vaping Spreads Among Youth
Hong Kong police have made over 90 arrests in the first 10 months of this year for offenses related to the emerging drug known as "space oil," the city's police commissioner revealed on Saturday. Police Commissioner Raymond Siu told reporters that space oil, which is typically inhaled through vapes, often contains etomidate - a potent sedative that is classified as...
Indonesia Agrees to Return Remaining Bali Nine Members to Australia
JAKARTA, Indonesia — In a significant diplomatic development, Indonesia has agreed to repatriate the five remaining members of the notorious Bali Nine drug smuggling ring who are serving life sentences in the Southeast Asian country, an Indonesian government minister announced on Saturday. The decision, revealed by Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas, also includes Indonesia seeking the return of its own...
Hong Kong Unveils Plans for December Celebration Featuring New Giant Pandas Residents:
Excitement is building in Hong Kong as the government announced today that two giant pandas, An An and Ke Ke, will meet the public in December. Gifted by the central government, these beloved animals are currently settling into their new home and are reported to be in excellent health. To commemorate the arrival of the pandas, the Culture, Sports &...
Breakthrough at COP29 as Climate Deal Proposes $250 Billion Annually for Poorer Nations
BAKU, Azerbaijan - Negotiators at the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan have reached a landmark agreement, proposing that developed countries provide $250 billion annually by 2035 to help poorer nations fight global warming. It marks the first time a concrete figure has been formally put forward at the UN climate talks, coming on the final day of a summit dominated...
Philippines Proposes Comprehensive Reintegration Bill for Returning Overseas Workers
MANILA — A new legislative initiative aims to provide comprehensive support for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), addressing the myriad challenges they face upon re-entry to the Philippines. House Bill 11130, proposed by OFW Party-list Representative Marissa Magsino, seeks to create a sustainable and dignified reintegration program that tackles economic, social, and psychological hurdles. "Our overseas workers are more than...
Mary Jane’s parents thank PBBM over looming transfer to PH
MANILA – The parents of Mary Jane Veloso, the overseas Filipino worker facing a death sentence over drug charges in Indonesia, expressed elation over her looming return to the Philippines. The Indonesian government had earlier conveyed its willingness to transfer Veloso’s custody to the Philippines as long as she would serve her sentence at a prison in the country. In a...
Thousands of Pokemon GO Players Set to Converge on Hong Kong for City-Wide Safari Event
HONG KONG — Thousands of augmented reality gaming enthusiasts are preparing to descend on Hong Kong for a massive Pokemon GO "City Safari" event, transforming the metropolis into a sprawling virtual playground on December 7 and 8. Approximately 10,000 players are expected to explore six distinctly themed areas across the city, from the historic streets of Kowloon City to the...
Emergency Response Teams Continue to Deploy Across Typhoon-ravaged Regions in The Philippines
MANILA — In a swift response to consecutive super typhoons battering the Philippines, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has continue to operate its Quick Response Team to provide critical support across multiple regions devastated by recent typhoons. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian has authorized the deployment of 100 central office personnel to augment disaster response efforts in areas...
