OFWs' Balikbayan Boxes stuck in Warehouses for Months   OFWs' balikbayan boxes stuck in warehouses for months   The first investigation conducted by the authorities reveals that "deconsolidators" in the Philippines abandon the shipments after "consolidators" received payment from OFWs.   Manila— Thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East packed balikbayan boxes to send to their families in the Philippines, but months and even a year later, recipients are still waiting for their presents.   On Saturday, November 5, OFW relatives went to the Hobart Warehouse in Balagtas, Bulacan, where Win Balikbayan Cargo LLC, better known as All Win, stored 4,625 balikbayan boxes.   The Bureau of Customs (BOC) confirmed that they were abandoned by consolidators meant to handle their shipments.   Dubai-based OFW Marjorie Laine Ilagan delivered two cartons in May and June. Marjorie claimed she had been in the Philippines since June and would return to Dubai shortly, but none of her boxes had arrived on Thursday, November 10.   Marjorie said, "All Win has not contacted us to give updates…. Wasted money. I just hope the boxes arrive before Christmas."   In January, Abu Dhabi OFW Ericson Baldeviso sent his nephew a shipment of food, home necessities, and toys through All Win. It hasn't arrived yet. Ericson reported no freight firm updates, like Marjorie.   Ericson alleged, "Many of us have lost our cargo because the owners of All Win have gone into hiding, so we don’t know where our boxes are now"   Facebook groups like "Balikbayan Cargo Boxes Complaints Page" and "All Win Cargo Updates" share accounts of customers' experiences that are similar to those of Marjorie and Ericson. Overseas Filipino workers and their families come here to seek guidance and exchange information on a problem that they all face.   Some others are disappointed because the food they ordered months ago definitely expired by now.  A post shows one user asking if anyone has received boxes from Dubai shipped via All Win, followed by a long string of comments saying variations of, “Nothing yet” and “Waiting lang”   (credits to Rappler)

A gun and knife assault at a daycare center in north-east Thailand, an ex-policeman murdered at least 37 people, the most of them children. Children and adults are among those killed at the nursery; according to the police, the perpetrator stabbed most of his victims before running away. In the following of the incident in Nong Bua Lamphu province, police claim he later murdered himself and his family. The 34-year-old ex-officer was fired in June for drug usage, according to authorities. If the assault had a purpose, it is unclear what it was. The horrific murder in the town of Utthai Sawan left at least 23 youngsters dead. As they slept, some victims as young as two years old were attacked. Nanticha Panchum, the headteacher, claimed the attacker's kid went to the center but hadn't been there in a month. She said that the father used to drop off his kid and was consistently courteous and sociable. Normally, more than 90 students attend the school, according to Ms. Panchum, but on Thursday, only around 20 students showed up because of the severe weather and a bus breakdown. Monkey Home Reporter: Esther

A former domestic worker is suing a Hong Kong couple for HK$1.28M in damages after they tortured her for two years over ten years ago using bicycle chains and a hot iron.   Kartika Puspitasari's (Domestic Worker) lawyers contended before the District Court on Thursday that her former employers Tai Chi-wai and Catherine Au Yuk-shan should be compensated for their "cruel" and "vicious" attacks on her, which tends to result in pain and suffering, a loss of ability to work in certain fields, and medical costs.   Throughout 2010 and 2012, she endured repeated violence at the couple's two Tai Po residences, including assaults with bicycle chains, a hot iron, a paper cutter, and a hanger, leaving her with 45 wounds all over her body.   Kartika said in court on Thursday that she still experiences nightmares and shaking when she sees individuals who look like her abusers, after years of healing from the trauma of the couple's abuse. She admitted that her body was still covered in scars.   "I think the punishment meted out to my two employers is excessive considering the cruel abuse and torture I was subjected to. However, I do accept it as it is a policy of the Hong Kong government, I can only pray that I'm not the only migrant domestic worker to experience this,” she remarked.   Monkey Home Reporter: Robert

Having been injured by her Employer who had received a jail sentence, the Filipina felt bad for her A Filipina was often slapped, assaulted, and finally hurt in the same eye throughout her 12-month employment with her previous employer. Her employer who hurt her was sentenced to prison for more than four months, but the Filipina felt pity when she saw again the woman who made her feel fear and depression for 21 months. Though from her recall of the most recent act of violence she endured at her hands. One month was put on each of the first five assaults, which were often slaps, kicks, and slaps as she was shouted at. On September 9, 2021, in her employer’s residence in Tseung Kwan O was the scene of the 12th and last assault, which was resulted in an additional sentence of three months and two weeks for her employer. Still, the heart of of a Filipino prevail. Monkey Home Reporter: Dory

Wages level increased for Domestic Helpers in Hongkong The Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) for foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) in Hong Kong would increase by 2.2 percent, from $4,630 to $4,730 per month, according to a declaration from the Hong Kong Government. Moreover, employers are obligated to give FDHs free food under the Standard Employment Contract for recruiting FDHs. The great majority of employers currently give FDHs free food. However, employers have the option to offer a food allowance in its place. From not less than $1,173 to not less than $1,196 per month, the food allowance will increase by $23. All FDH contracts signed starting from October 1 will be subject to the revised MAW and meal allowance standards. "The Government reviews the MAW for FDHs regularly. In accordance with the established practice, we have carefully considered Hong Kong's general economic and labour market conditions over the past year, as well as Hong Kong's near-term economic outlook, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in this year's review. Taking into account the above, affordability for employers and the livelihood of FDHs, the Government has decided to adjust the MAW level. The Government has also reviewed the food allowance in lieu of free food, and decided to increase the allowance level.”, Hongkong Government said. Monkey Home Reporter: Kenneth

2 Filipino Domestic Workers with their Employer were tied in Kowloon Tong   Early morning of Saturday, October 1, 4 thieves broke into a residential house in Kowloon Tong. They tied up a 44-year-old man and his two Filipina domestic helpers, as they trashed the house and stole four safes filled with jewelry worth one million Chinese Renminbi in cash.   One of the helpers was able to release herself, then she unbound her employer and the other helper. However, the robbers quickly escaped the scene by jumping into a getaway vehicle and driving toward Waterloo Road.   After being released from the tie, their employer immediately filed a police report. Luckily, they were unharmed.   A knife cover that the burglar had left behind was subsequently found by the police inside the residence. To find the suspects, CCTV video was also inspected.   Monkey Home Reporter: Jhen

A Story of Undies Left in the Sink By: Sissy   Day-off ko noon at nalilligo ako. Nilabahan ko yung panty ko. Ngayon, isasampay ko na sana nang may biglang nagdoorbell. Bumaba ako, dala-dala yung isasampay kong panty. Tapos nilagay ko sa bandang hugasan namin. Umakyat na ako dahil dumating yung amo ko kasama ang aking alaga. Maya-maya, pumunta ang bata sa kwarto ko at tinanong ako, "Che-che, why there's underwear down?" And I was like, "Hala.. 😱😱😱😱😱😱" Tumawa ang amo kong babae, at ang nasabi ko nalang "Sorry, Ma'am, I was taking a bath and was about to hang my panty, but then i heard the doorbell rang.. My panty was with me, I forgot it in the kitchen sink." Sabi ng amo ko, "Its okay la" Sabi ng alaga ko, "Its clean Che-che" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Sabi ko, "I'm going to hang this now" I was so shyyyyyyy! 🫣🫣🫣🤣🤣🤣 -Sissy Cheche

Happy World Teachers' Day! Early education has a long-lasting impact on children's development. Making a difference in the world will enable them to put everything that they have gained to beneficial use. Teachers have a special and unique opportunity to train youth while they are still pliable since they are tomorrow's leaders, whether it be in early childhood, extracurriculars, athletics, or traditional studies. Without a doubt, educators are essential members of every society. They act as mentors for young people, giving them guidance and motivation while also exemplifying the value of education for the coming generations. Thanks to the work of teachers across the world, societal and economic advancement are possible. Happy Teachers' Day! Monkey Home Reporter: Melanie

Visa-Free Destination   Over sixty countries and territories are accessible to Filipino tourists, including far-flung locales like Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Morocco, Peru, Barbados, Fiji, and more, if you've been itching to pack your bags and explore the world for the past two years. Passport holders from the Philippines will no longer need a visa to visit 67 countries as of October 2022. The other 34 countries can be seen with either visa on arrival or electronic travel authorizations, while the first 33 are visa-free. Monkey Home Reporter: Diane

HK Government Eases Several Social Restrictions   Hong Kong's COVID-19 outbreak condition has recently decreased. There are fewer new instances reported each day now. To strike a balance between transmission risk and economic vitality, the government agreed to loosen some social segregation regulations in the upcoming 2-week cycle to allow for greater social and economic activity. A number of social-distancing restrictions in Hong Kong will be modified beginning on October 6, including the requirement that there be twelve meals per table rather than the current eight. Monkey Home Reporter: Benedict