NOTICE TO ALL FILIPINOS

ADVISORY: WARNING TO TRAVELERS TO HONGKONG

The Philippine Consulate General in Chongqing reiterates its warning to all Filipino travelers transiting or entering Hong Kong to refrain from bringing restricted items, particularly stunning devices, in their hand-carried or checked-in luggage.

Stun guns, pepper sprays, and other devices such as tear gas, bullets, extendible batons, flick knives and knuckledusters are considered either as “prohibited weapons” or “arms” and therefore restricted under Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance in Hong Kong.

Travelers arrested with prohibited weapons are usually prosecuted under Section 10, Aviation Security Ordinance, Cap. 494, Laws of HongKong, which carries a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment and a fine of HK$100,000 while possession of stunning devices is prohibited under Section 13 (1) and (2) of Firearms Ammunition Ordinance, Cap. 238 Laws of HongKong wherein offenders are penalized with a maximum fine of HK 100,000 and maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment.

The Hong Kong authorities are strict with the enforcement of the said Ordinances. All hand-carried and checked-in luggage of passengers are subjected to security screening in the airport terminals. END

27 May 2019