Bishop advises OFWs to stay away from HK rallies
By CBCP News
August 5, 2019
Manila, Philippines
A church official advised Filipinos working in Hong Kong not to join protests or avoid places where rallies are being held.
Bishop Ruperto Santos, who heads the church migrants’ ministry, urged the OFWs to exercise caution and prudence so as not to jeopardize their work.
“We remind them to stay away from places where rallies are held, never join any gathering and always keep in mind the directives of our Department of Foreign Affairs officials there,” he said.
The prelate made the call after a male OFW suspected of joining a rally in Mong Kok district was arrested by Hong Kong authorities on Saturday.
Bishop Santos asked the government to help the concerned OFW.
“We kindly request the valuable assistance and urgent help of DFA officials there for our arrested Filipino in Hong Kong,” he said.
“They came with sole intentions to work as to improve the lives of their loved ones, and they are observant of the laws and customs of Hong Kong,” Santos added.
A Philippine Consular official said that the Filipino worker was not part of the protest.
Hong Kong has entered a ninth week of social unrest sparked by the government’s now-shelved extradition bill. CBCPNEWS
