OFWs warned vs bringing stun guns

MANILA, Philippines - Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) should not carry stun guns and other “deadly” gadgets when traveling abroad, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said yesterday.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said OFWs as well as tourists bound for Hong Kong must not carry any gadgets that may be considered “threatening.”

She said the Philippine consulate in Hong Kong has observed an increase in the number of Filipino travelers, including OFWs, who have been arrested and convicted for possession of stunning devices.

“Stun guns and other devices such as tear gas (canisters), bullets, extendible batons, flick knives, and knuckle dusters are considered as ‘arms’ under Hong Kong’s Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance,” Baldoz said.

She warned that anyone caught with those devices in their possession faces a fine of HK$100,000, a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison upon conviction or both.

“Hong Kong authorities are particularly strict with enforcement of the said ordinance and, thus, all hand-carried and checked-in luggage of passengers are subjected to security screening in the airport terminals,” Baldoz said.

The labor chief said the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong recommended that Filipino travelers who intend to visit or transit through the territory to be properly advised not to carry prohibited items.

“I urge all OFWs to heed this warning to avoid sanctions that may unnecessarily delay their travel, to the best of their ability,” she said.