A Filipina maid has alleged that police strip-searched her several times after she was arrested for allegedly stealing money from her employer in early January.
Margie Lotino, aged about 30 and who worked for a family in Pokfulam on Hong Kong Island, was giving evidence during her trial on theft charges in the Eastern Magistrates’ Court on Friday. She complained about a series of alleged strip-searches, sunwebhk.com reported.
Lotino was arrested on Jan. 2 for allegedly stealing HK$500 (US$63) from her employer. She pleaded not guilty and claimed she had been set up.
She said she found the HK$500 banknote on the floor when she was cleaning the master bedroom and put the bill on a cabinet top in the living room and told her employer about it that evening.
The employer reportedly thanked the maid, but reached to pick up the money with a towel, suggesting she did not want her fingerprints on the bill, the maid said. Not long afterwards, police came to the apartment and searched Lotino and her belongings.
During her arrest and the investigation process, female police officers searched Lotino on four separate occasions: first in her employers’ house, the second time at Western Police Station, the third time at Wanchai Police Station and the fourth time back at the Western Police Station, the court heard.
During two separate body searches in the toilet at her employers’ flat, Lotino said various officers took turns ordering her to strip down to her underwear. As one search took place at Western Police Station, a male officer entered the room while she was only wearing a bra and panties.
She claimed an officer told her to admit the crime and she would be sent to the Philippines. As she was cold, hungry and under intense pressure from the repeated body searches and interrogation, Lotino said she signed a cautioned statement admitting the offense.
She identified five female officers who conducted the body searches and one male officer who signed the custody search document during an identification parade at Wanchai Police Station on April 13.
The six officers were called in to give evidence on Friday and four of them answered “disagree” or “I can’t recall” when asked the same questions about the strip-searches. They all told the court they only searched the outer clothes – the Level One stipulated in police guidelines.
Deputy magistrate Simon K F Ho ordered both parties to make written submissions when the hearing resumes on May 6 and extended the defendant’s bail.
I have been interogated by a police officers due to alleged case of child abuse before..but i found policer officer who handled my case has respect on my part..they never asked me to admit the alleged case..just to release me and sent me back home…why they were so harsh with her..God be with her and help her in Jesus name if it wasnt true.may justice prevail to this kababayan..
Calautit-mendez Atina bobo kang mag comment! Di ba pwedeng consulate muna? Pag di kaya DFA diba? As in duterte agad? Idiot!
Possible.
Just $500?and have to call police?what the hell?! If i wanted to steal I’ll make it sure bigger than my salary..why steal 500?so small to be in trouble damn
Human right violations na ginagawa ng mga police at ng amo ni kabayan. Di na makatarungan yan. Pang aabuso na yan besides, anjan nmn ang 500 my gooosh buti sana kung binili niya ng rolex watch un 500 dollar.
Employer intend to do that I bleaved some employers are like that.onece maid already mentioned about the matters .
I can’t recall daw sabi ng police officer, weeeeh di nga ? May hidden camera po na naka kabit sa katawan ng mga yan ..
What do you think of the dh huh? Would you think she will sacrifice herself to steal on that small amount? If she wanted to steal she must take a big amount in order to ruin her life and all her sacrifices to her family, this is a set up, we must pursue the live out for the safety and the convenience of the dh.. for your information.. no stupid person to sacrifice her life for that stupid amount.
Mga animal binaboy nla kabayan natin bkit pahubarin ng damit at nkaundies nlng hndi mkatarungan ang gnawq dhil xan500hkd dpat maaksyunan managot ang officer incharge xa pgsearched
Ay anlakas makapunyeta? Where’s due process now?… I know matinik mga police dto but not to the extent naman that this case has to be so unjust!… Well and good that both parties now have to make a written submission. That’s fair and square.. Kaso kapag Pinay talaga ang sangkot, detalyado. Buo ang pangalan at ididiin ung FILIPINA MAID… ba’t di rin banggitin details ng complainant so the people could also identify their credibility (if they have)?????
Halang ang kaluluwa ng ganyan klasing amo,malala pa Kay sa busabus
The court should also investigate the employer she might want to terminate their contract but want to avoid the responsibity that goes with it especially if she search for another helper prior to that happening..
Kaya ang ibang ofw is pinag llban ang stay out pra mas safe din s ibang employer n pwd mang black mail
Calautit-mendez Atina di ba yun nman sbi ni press.duterte kung may problema pede hingi tulong s knya,aba !pr nrin mbigyan ng agaran solusyon hayaan u b kabayan u na ma agrabyado n lamang ng gnun.lalo at ofw tau may karapatan tau humingi ng tulong s knya
Jonathan Villanueva cge kyo ng tutulong
Prang nagsearch ng droga mga animal
Wtf! Duterte agad?
So sad to hear that condolence po
Hala 500 dollar.. bra pantie nlng subra nman yan di nman dapat siguro ganun.. Sus Ginoo..anyari sa mga taong yan.
We are calling the attention of our Philippine government for this issue,before this happened,set up was existed,I can’t stand to see my fellow country women in this situation.