Pinoys urged to avoid travel to HK

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday appealed to Filipinos with no urgent business in Hong Kong to defer their trips to the troubled region.

Through the Philippine consulate general, the DFA is monitoring developments related to the ongoing protest actions in Hong Kong.

It advised Filipino travelers who have no urgent business in China’s special administrative Supporters of Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters gather during a demonstration at Martin Place in Sydney, Australia yesterday. Protests in Hong Kong were sparked by broad opposition to a plan to allow extraditions to mainland China, but has since morphed into a wider call for democratic rights in the semi-autonomous city. Related story on Page 17.

region to avoid the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) as a destination or transit point for the meantime. From Page 1

“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,” it said in an advisory.

According to reports received by the consulate, protests will be held in the following areas: Chater Garden, Central to Central Government Offices, Admiralty; Hung Hom Pier to Sung Wong Toi Garden, Kowloon today (Aug. 17); Victoria Park, Causeway Bay to Chater Road, Central (Aug. 18); “Clean up MTR carriages” (Aug. 19); and Kwai Tiang Theatre, Kwai Chung to Tsuen Wan Park (Aug. 25).

Filipinos in Hong Kong were also advised 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.