DOLE chief joins appeal for OFWs to steer clear of HK protests

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz has joined calls for Filipinos in Hong Kong to stay away and avoid participating in the ongoing pro-democracy rallies there.

“The reason you are in Hong Kong is to work, not to engage in any political activity,” Baldoz said in a statement Wednesday following reports thatsome Filipinos have joined the protests.

Baldoz said they are in regular contact with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong, which are constantly monitoring the situation.

She advised OFWs to be careful and to always take the necessary precaution in their daily activities.

“Be alert and go on with your regular routine, but avoid places where marches and protests are happening,” Baldoz said, adding Filipinos in Hong Kong should “stay indoors as much as possible, and keep in touch with our POLO.”

Assistant Labor Attaché  Ma. Nena German, POLO officer-in-charge, reported that the Admirality District, a hotspot of the ongoing political activity and location of POLO and the Philippine Consulate, remains safe and calm.

But due to the movement paralyzing public transportation, some Filipinos expressed irritation at their lack of access to the Consulate and the Admirality District.

The leader of the OFW group that joined the protest yesterday told GMA News' stringer Azon Cañete that they were not inviting others to join. However, they added that Filipinos with time to spare were welcome.

No penalties have so far been announced for foreigners who joined the protest. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News

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