Pinoys advised not to bring stun devices to HK

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine consulate general in Hong Kong advised Filipinos yesterday not to bring stun devices and spear guns or harpoons when traveling to or through the territory’s ports as its authorities classified such devices as “arms.”

Hong Kong’s Airport District Police reported that 57 passengers were arrested for possession of stun devices in 2012.

Of the number, 13 were Filipinos, including 11 seafarers.

In the first quarter of 2013, 14 Filipinos were arrested for possession of such devices. Of the number, 13 were seafarers.

Investigators said the Filipinos purchased the devices before they traveled to Hong Kong and were either en route to the territory or were transiting through the city’s international airport.

Air travelers should be reminded that all hand-carried and checked-in luggage, including those of transiting passengers, are subjected to security screening in the terminals.

Any stun device found in a luggage, whether to or in transit through Hong Kong, can be grounds for arrest.

According to Hong Kong’s Firearms and Ammunitions Ordinance, persons in possession of arms without a license can be fined HK$100,000 (approximately US$13,333). The offender can be sentenced to a maximum of 14 years in jail.