Philippine government ready to assist Filipinos in Hong Kong

“Mong Kok protesters sitting down blocking Nathan Road, a hugely busy Kowloon thoroughfare. Quite a sight #HongKong” (Photo courtesy of Katy Lee on Twitter)

MANILA — The Philippine consulate in Hong Kong is ready to extend assistance to Filipinos who will be affected by the mass actions there, the Palace said on Saturday, advising Filipinos not to participate in the protest and to avoid the centers of mass actions.

In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte reiterated the call of Bernardita Catalla, the country’s Consul General in Hong Kong, advising Filipinos to avoid unsafe areas to ensure their safety.

Valte said the situation in Hong Kong is becoming more tense as pro-democracy groups clash with “anti-occupy” protesters.

“We continue to coordinate and to keep our lines of communication open with the Filipino community because our consulate there in Hong Kong will be ready to render assistance should there be any instance na kailangan po ito,” she said.

Valte also said that OFW may run into trouble if they join the protests since Hong Kong law will be applied to them once there’s a round up.

“Hindi na po batas ng ating bansa ang umiiral doon kundi ‘yung batas ng lugar kung nasaan po sila,” she said

“At lagi naman po natin silang pinapaalalahanan na sumunod din doon sa mga alituntunin, and to stay away from any acts that might get them into trouble with the law or with the authorities there.”

For Filipino tourists who want to travel to Hong Kong, Valte said the Philippine government has not issued any travel advisory but she said tourists must be aware of their surroundings once they are in Hong Kong.