Hong Kong authorities reviewing strategy in search for 2 missing Filipino helpers

Hong Kong authorities are reviewing their strategy for finding two missing Filipino domestic helpers after calling off a search along the hiking trail where the women were seen about 10 days ago, the Post has learned.

Meanwhile, the Philippines’ local consulate has contacted city authorities on the matter, with police revealing on Tuesday that the helpers had been spotted in Lei Muk Shue Estate in Tsuen Wan on October 8, four days after being seen on the trail.

Two sources said the Fire Services Department had stopped searching along the Lung Mun Country Trail near Tsuen Wan at around 10.15am on Tuesday.

Department officers and police began their search for Imee Mahilum Pabuaya, 24, and Aleli Perez Tibay, 33, shortly after noon on Saturday, the sources said, and the operation remains ongoing.

In a reply to the Post on Tuesday, the Philippine consulate in Hong Kong said it had contacted police’s liaison bureau to help with the search for the two women and “look into all possible leads behind their disappearance”.

“As of today, we are still awaiting official reports from the Hong Kong authorities with regards to their whereabouts and circumstances,” it said.

The consulate added that it had, through its Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, contacted the missing women’s next of kins, maintaining close communication to provide support.