Police: Filipina domestic helper dies in suspected suicide

Yuen Long district. Photo from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HK_Yuen_Long

A Filipina domestic helper was found dead on Feb.2 in her employer’s residence in Yuen Long, with law enforcers saying initial information showing it to be a possible case of suicide.

“We received a call at 9:20 am on Feb.2 from a 58-year old woman, her employer. She found her domestic helper insider her room. She was found dead due to suspected hanging, using a clothesline. The maid was certified dead at the scene,” a police spokeswoman said.

The police said no suicide note was found at the scene, but added that there were no suspicious circumstances.

“The actual cause of death will be ascertained in a post-mortem examination,” the police spokeswoman said on Feb.10.

The domestic helper was 32 years old and worked at 11 Shap Pat Heung Road.

Consul Paul Saret said he has talked to her family and added that repatriation options have been presented to them, as part of the protocol, adding that the domestic helper’s remains will not be cremated, unless requested by her family herself.

“Nobody can force the cremation of her remains unless only upon the instruction of her family,” he said.

Overseas Filipinos in Hong Kong who need help can call the Philippine Consulate General at 9155-4023, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) at 5529-1880, or the POLO-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration at 6345-9324.