34 Pinoys in HK prisons for arms possession

Thirty-four Filipinos, mostly seafarers, in Hong Kong were convicted for possession of weapons without a license from January to June, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong said yesterday.

The Consulate General warned Filipinos against bringing stun guns, tasers, and other similar devices in Hong Kong since they are considered “arms” and could not be hand-carried or included in checked-in luggage.

“Stun guns and other devices such as tear gas, bullets, extensible batons, flick knives and knuckle dusters are considered as ‘arms’ and therefore are restricted under the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance of Hong Kong,” the consulate said.

The possession of arms without a license in Hong Kong is punishable by a fine of HK$100,000 and a maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment.

The Consulate General also warned overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong against posting indecent or obscene photos or videos on social media sites.

“The crime is punishable under the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance (COIAO) of Hong Kong,” it said.

According to the COIAO, “a thing is obscene if by reason of obscenity it is not suitable to be published to any person; and a thing is indecent if by reason of indecency it is not suitable to be published to a juvenile.” “Obscenity” and “indecency” include “violence, depravity and repulsiveness.”

Those convicted for this offense may serve a maximum of three years in prison and be fined as much as HK$1 million.

Hong Kong authorities are strict with the enforcement of COIAO, the Consulate General said.