Pinoys in HK urged not to join protests

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang has advised Filipinos in Hong Kong to refrain from joining the ongoing protests spearheaded by college students there.

“They will just have to focus on their work in Hong Kong,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told reporters at a press briefing yesterday.

 He assured the public that the government was monitoring the protests. 

“Tinututukan po ang sitwasyon na ‘yan ng ating Consulate General sa Hong Kong,” he said.

 On Sunday, Hong Kong activists launched a mass civil disobedience rally on the city’s major arterial road, demanding electoral reforms from Beijing.

Anti-riot police have tried to disperse the crowd with tear gas, but the rally has continued with tens of thousands of protesters vowing not to end street blockades until Beijing grants their demands. 

The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Hong Kong is also  on alert for any problems that could put the safety of Filipinos working there at risk.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz yesterday advised OFWs to go on with their regular activities, but take the necessary precautions.

“Be alert and go on with your regular routine, but avoid places where marches and protests are happening. Stay indoors as much as possible, and keep in touch with our POLO,” Baldoz stressed.

She discouraged OFWs from joining any protest activity or any action that could be construed as political. 

“The reason you are in Hong Kong is to work, not to engage in any political activity,” Baldoz said.

“I have instructed the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to put its welfare officer on notice and to be alert for any sign of disturbance that would imperil the safety of OFWs.”

Baldoz said the situation remained calm and normal in the Admiralty District, where the POLO and the Philippine Consulate are located.