6 Filipinos arrested in Hong Kong for posing as dentists, says DFA

Six Filipinos have been arrested in Hong Kong for allegedly posing as dentists and illegally operating a dental clinic, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.

In a statement, the DFA said the six, originally employed as domestic helpers, were detained by the Hong Kong Immigration Department "for breach of condition of stay by taking up unapproved employment and establishing, or joining in business in Hong Kong; and falsely pretending to be a dentist."

The Filipinos, aged between 34 and 60, were arrested on August 17.

A report by the South China Morning Post said they were suspected of operating an unlicensed dental clinic in a hidden tenement flat in Sham Shui Po, adding there were 13 customers during the arrests.

The consulate and the Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong are currently assisting the workers, the DFA said.

Philippine officials, it added, are also coordinating with Hong Kong authorities while the official investigation is ongoing. — BM, GMA Integrated News