34 Pinoys arrested in HK for bringing stun guns, tasers

Philippine officials in Hong Kong on Friday reiterated their warning to Filipinos against bringing stun guns, tasers, and other similar devices there, saying such items are considered "arms" and thus could not be hand-carried or included in checked-in luggage.

The Philippine Consulate General gave the warning as it noted that from January to June 2015, 34 Filipinos, mostly seafarers, were convicted for possession of arms without license.

"Stun guns and other devices such as tear gas, bullets, extensible batons, flick knives and knuckle dusters are considered as 'arms' and therefore are restricted under the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance of Hong Kong," the consulate said.

Unlicensed possession of restricted items in Hong Kong is punishable by a fine of HK$100,000 and a maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment upon conviction, the consulate said.

Seafarers also made up most of the 60 Filipinos found in possession of unlicensed arms in Hong Kong in 2014.

A similar warning by the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong was issued in 2013, when 14 Filipinos were arrested for these items in the first quarter of that year alone. —Rie Takumi/KBK/JJ, 

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