Pinay ‘shabu’ mom given second chance in HK

Shabu is called "ice" in HK

IT’S her chance to turn a new leaf.

A Filipino mother of nine children but hooked into illegal drugs got another chance in life after a judge in Sai Wan Ho approved a probation report that allowed her to avoid getting imprisoned.

The defendant, with initials E.D.V., was charged with “ill-treatment or neglect by those in charge of child or young person” last last year after her eighth child had convulsions.

Investigators discovered that the Filipina was breastfeeding her child even while she was hooked on “shabu” or “ice” (methamphetamine hydrochloride).

The defendant was arrested but the judge that handled her case put her under probation insetad of sending her to jail. The offense of ill-treatment of a child usually carries a jail sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment.

On May 7, Eastern Magistrates’ Courts Principal Magistrate Peter Law reviewed the probation report that showed the Filipina’s progress in getting weaned off illegal drugs.

“The report suggests that you carry on with your probation and there will be another report in five months’ time. Do you agree to take this course?” Law said.

The Filipina, who was accompanied by a social worker in court, agreed with the probation report’s recommendation.

“Alright, I’ll follow the recommendation. The probation order stands. Carry on with the probation order,” Judge Law said.

“I will call for another progress report on October 8. So, you keep contact with your probation officer and come back on Oct. 8,” he added. The Filipina, who is in her 30s, is pregnant with her ninth child.