Filipinos urged to avoid Hong Kong due to protests

A general view shows Hong Kong's International Airport on Aug. 14, 2019. Flights were departing Hong Kong airport largely on schedule, a day after pro-democracy protesters caused chaos with a disruptive sit-in that paralyzed the busy transport hub.
AFP/Philip Fong

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs advised Filipino travelers who have no urgent business in Hong Kong to steer clear from the semi-autonomous Chinese city for the meantime.

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has been monitoring the developments in the city due to ongoing protests.

Filipino travelers should avoid the Hong Kong International Airport as a destination or transit airport for now, the DFA said.

"Filipino travelers departing from Hong Kong are requested to contact their airlines at least five hours before their scheduled flights to check if their flights will push through," the DFA said in an advisory.

Below is a list of airlines' hotlines in Hong Kong:

Philippine Airlines: +(852) 2769.7123
Cebu Pacific: (+852) 3973.3800
Cathay Pacific: (+852) 2747.3333

The consulate also relayed the upcoming schedule of protests in Hong Kong:

August 17
Chater Garden, Central to Central
Government Offices, Admiralty
Hung Hom Pier to Sung Wong Toi Garden, Kowloon

August 18
Victora Park, Causeway Bay to Chater Road, Central

August 19
"Clean up MTR carriages"

August 25
Kwai Tiang Theatre, Kwai Chung to Tsuen Wan Park

"Filipinos are asked to avoid these areas during protests, and refrain from wearing clothing and/or carrying anything that could mistakenly identify them as part of the protest action," the DFA said.

The consulate general said it is ready to provide assistance to Filipinos who may need it. The office can be contacted on its hotline at (+852) 9155-4023. — Patricia Lourdes Viray

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