Pinoys in HK cautioned over mass protests

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippine consulate general in Hong Kong has released a travel advisory asking Filipinos to exercise extreme caution and vigilance in the light of mass protests over a controversial bill that would allow fugitives to be extradited to China.

This came after violent clashes erupted and the police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters who surrounded the city’s government headquarters, leading to the postponement of the debate over the China extradition bill on Wednesday.

Filipinos there are advised to keep away from demonstration areas, which are generally concentrated outside government central offices, particularly the Legislative complex, in Admiralty and in Tamar Park. 

They are also advised to consider rescheduling, unless the need is absolutely immediate, their transactions at the consulate general, which is located very near demonstration areas and to keep themselves updated with the security situation in Hong Kong through media reports.  

According to Consul General to Hong Kong Antonio Morales, the consulate continues to monitor the situation and will provide public advisories from time to time as necessary. It also stands ready to provide assistance when needed.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III also yesterday cautioned Filipino workers in Hong Kong against joining the massive anti-extradition bill protest to avoid deportation and other penalties.

While Filipinos in Hong Kong have the freedom to do so, Bello ordered the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Hong Kong to issue an advisory to stay away from harm.

“That is freedom. We just give them advice but, ultimately, it is their decision whether to join or not. We cannot prevent them from joining, only provide advice,” Bello explained.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the central government firmly supports the Hong Kong SAR government in advancing the extradition law.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed serious concern over the Hong Kong amendment to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, saying that, if passed, the Congress may reassess whether Hong Kong is sufficiently autonomous under the framework of “one country, two systems.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Wednesday that China deplores and firmly opposes the irresponsible and erroneous comments on the amendment and other Hong Kong affairs made by the US.

Beijing urged the US to view the relevant amendment in a fair and just manner, exercise caution in its words and deeds and stop interfering in whatever form in Hong Kong affairs and China’s domestic affairs.

Since the return of Hong Kong to China, Geng said policies including “one country, two systems” and “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy have been earnestly implemented.

He added that Hong Kong people’s rights and freedoms have been fully guaranteed. 

The US Department of State said that the bill could harm regional business interests and expose US citizens residing in or visiting Hong Kong to China’s capricious legal system.