Filipinos going to HK reminded not to bring restricted items

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar Binay reminded Filipinos going to Hong Kong not to bring restricted items such as stun guns and similar devices in their hand-carried or checked-in baggage.

Binay said stun guns and other devices such as tear gas, bullets, extendible batons, flick knives and knuckle dusters are considered “arms” that are under the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance of Hong Kong.

“Nananawagan po ako sa ating mga kababayan na maging maingat at huwag nang tangkain pang magdala ng mga pinagbabawal na gamit sa Hong Kong,” Binay said in a statement   on Wednesday.

“Mahigpit po sila doon at maging ang inyong mga checked in luggage ay kanilang tinitignan at sinisiyasat ng maigi,” he added.

Binay issued this warning after the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong released a report that 60 Filipinos, especially seafarers, were convicted of possession of arms without license in 2014.

The report said anyone caught with unlicensed possession of the items is punishable by a fine of HK$100,000 and/or a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment. – M.A.