PHL Consul General: Pinoys in HK safe as pro-democracy protest goes on

The Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong assured on Monday that Filipinos in the former British colony are safe as pro-democracy advocates surround the city's government headquarters in a bid to shut down what a news service tagged as "the heart of the global financial hub."
 
In an interview with GMA News' "News To Go," Consul General Bernardita Catalla said the situation was "normal" despite the presence of protesters and barricades on the streets, adding that they were still able to walk to the consulate for work.
 
She added that they are not really worried about the Filipinos there, most of whom are household workers, since it's rare for them to take a day-off during weekdays.
 
"Hindi naman ho kami nag-wo-worry dahil ang mga Filipino po dito, nakakalabas kapag Sunday lang. Weekday ho kaunti lang talaga ang mga Filipino na nag-de-day off. Ang day-off nila ay Sunday at statutory holidays, so wala sila sa labas," she said.
 
While the Consulate in the Admiralty area is still open and offering all their services, Catalla discouraged Filipinos as precaution from heading down there unless there is urgent business.
 
"Kung puwede pong iwasan ngayon ang lugar na 'to, kung wala naman silang emergency transaction sa atin, 'wag na ho silang pumunta dahil malayo ang lalakarin at baka mapagkamalang kasama sila sa mga nag-po-protesta," she said.
 
The Philippine official said the protests may continue until October 1, the National Day of the People's Republic of China, but added that they trust it will not lead to martial law.
 
"Ang tingin ko po hindi naman aabot sa ganu'n dahil marami pong naniniwala na ito po ay expression lamang ng kanilang nais tungkol doon sa pagpili ng kanilang magiging chief executive in 2017," she said. "Ngayon nga po, nakikita ko 'yung mga taong nag-po-protesta, nakaupo sa kalye, at hindi pa naman ho sila ganoong karami sa ngayon."
 
A Reuters report Sunday noted the Hong Kong police barricaded city streets and eventually fired tear gas to disperse the protesters, who had earlier launched a "new era" of civil disobedience to pressure Beijing into granting full democracy. http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/381260/news/world/hong-kong-pro-democracy-protesters-defiant-as-police-use-tear-gas
 
According to Philippine Overseas Employment Administration data, Hong Kong is the fourth top destination for landbased Filipino workers, with some 130,686 new hires and rehires employed there as of 2013. – Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/VS, GMA News

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