No travel ban, but avoid HK
Although President Rodrigo Duterte has not issued a travel or deployment ban to Hong Kong, Filipinos should avoid traveling there amid the political unrest, Malacañang advised yesterday.
“The travel ban, with respect if you want to go to Hong Kong, this is not the right time to go there because your flight might suddenly be canceled,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing.
“Better to avoid, for the meantime, going there. That’s the advice. You’re not even sure whether you’re going to reach Hong Kong in the first place,” he continued.
The Hong Kong International Airport on Monday grounded all departing flights after thousands of Hong Kongers protesting chief executive Carrie Lam’s already suspended extradition law and demanding for her resignation. While arrivals were permitted, it was almost impossible to get out as protesters filled the main terminal.
Despite security concerns, Panelo, however, echoedLaborSecretarySilvestreBelloIII’searlierpronouncement that the government will bar overseas Filipino workers from seeking employment in China’s special administrative region.