Filipino student arrested at Hong Kong airport for carrying batons

MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino student bound for Canada has been arrested and detained in an airport in Hong Kong after a restricted item was found in his luggage, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday.

The DFA said airport authorities found two extendable batons in the unnamed student’s check-in luggage, an item considered a dangerous weapon in Hong Kong.

Consul General Antonio Morales said the student was detained last Tuesday, Jan. 8, but was allowed to leave Hong Kong on Friday, Jan. 11, after the Consulate General assisted him in Hong Kong.

The DFA reminded Filipinos traveling to or transiting through Hong Kong to make sure they are not carrying restricted items in their luggage.

Personal defense weapons such as stun guns, pepper spray, tear gas, extendable batons, flick knives, and knuckledusters are considered dangerous weapons in Hong Kong.

Unlicensed possession of said items is punishable by a fine of HK$100,000 and a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment upon conviction, the DFA said. /ee