FILIPINOS HELD IN MACAU OVER RALLY
Workers who staged event linked to Philippine presidential race may have breached numerous laws
A number of Filipinos were still being detained by police in Macau last night after staging unauthorised gatherings on Sunday to support Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jnr’s bid to become Philippine president.
According to Hoje Macau newspaper, police invited 16 Philippine workers to be “assistants in the investigation” of the gatherings in front of the St Paul Ruins and near Macau Tower. Fliers with former senator Marcos’ face and the Macau SAR symbol were distributed, and a banner with the same symbol was used.
The workers may face punishment for breaking several laws around public assembly and demonstrations; public gatherings in tourist spots without prior permission; and misuse of the Macau SAR symbol for unofficial purposes. Penalties include jail terms of two years and fines of up to 20,000 patacas.
One of those at the police station had appealed for help on Monday. “We have been here for 20 hours without food, without sleep, without baths,” he said.
A Filipino national in Macau familiar with the matter told the Post that several workers remained in detention yesterday, not behind bars but in a room inside the police station.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said officers were pressing the workers to identify the event organiser, who remained at large. But they were keeping silent because the organiser “is a Filipino permanent resident in Macau”.
Among those being held was a worker who had arranged for the logo of the Macau flag to be printed on a banner, the person said.
The source added that most of those interviewed by police had been released but might have to return for a case hearing. Some were told that their employers had already been informed they would not be returning to work.
On Tuesday, the Philippine consulate in Macau said punishment could include deportation.
“The consulate would like to remind all Filipinos in Macau to desist from engaging in gatherings, assemblies, or other activities that have a political or partisan character, including the use of banners and uniforms,” it noted in a statement.
It said only permanent residents in Macau enjoyed the right to “assemble and demonstrate in public areas”, after applying for a permit and observing local rules.
Non-resident workers breaching the laws could have their employment contracts terminated and permit to stay cancelled.
But the reminder made no mention of Sunday’s incidents.
When the Post called the Philippine consulate in Macau yesterday to ask about the status of the detained workers and whether it had extended them any assistance, it responded: “We cannot disclose information [over the phone] regarding that. Please email us with your questions.”
As of press time, the consulate has not replied to the email.
Similar calls to Marcos’ public information officer Maria Pedroche on whether they had rendered any assistance had not yielded a reply by last night.
The source said this was the second time Macau police had questioned Filipino political supporters. Last month the organiser of an event involving people who had “gathered in pink clothes, taking photos and videos to support Leni Robredo” – the current vicepresident who is also running for the top job in next year’s election – was also questioned by police. The source did not know what had happened to the organiser.
Robredo’s spokesman Barry Gutierrez told the Post he was unaware of the incident.
“This is my first time hearing of this incident. That said, lines of communication are open between the campaign and volunteer groups overseas, and we are certainly ready to extend any assistance if requested,” he said.
More than 100 people have so far registered to run for the presidency. Only five are considered serious contenders: Marcos, Robredo, Senator Manny Pacquiao, Senator Panfilo Lacson and Manila mayor Francisco Domagoso.
Reports are swirling that Davao city mayor Sara Duterte, daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, may join the race.