Filipino arrested in HK for allegedly joining protests: DFA

August 5, 2019

A Filipino was arrested in Hong Kong for allegedly joining demonstrations, the Department of Foreign Affairs ( DFA) said Monday.

The unnamed Filipino, under investigation for “unlawful assembly, told Philippine diplomats he did not join the protest. He said he was just buying food and  passed through side streets since protests were in main streets.

"He was accosted by the police in the belief that he was one of the protesters," the DFA said in a statement.

The Philippine consulate general in Hong Kong, the DFA said, is providing legal assistance to the Filipino so he will be freed.

The DFA advised Filipinos in Hong Kong "to stay alert and avoid areas of protest, and to refrain from wearing or carrying anything that could mistakenly identify them as part of the protest action."

"The consulate continues to monitor the situation in Hong Kong and is ready to provide assistance to Filipinos if needed," the DFA said. DMS