Several PHL embassies closed for New Year holiday

The Department of Foreign Affairs said several Philippine embassies will be closed on certain days this January. UNITED STATES The Philippine Embassy in Washington will be closed on:

• January 2: New Year's Day
• January 16: Birth anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr., the symbolic leader of American blacks in fighting for their rights and youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 at age 35;
• January 23: Chinese New Year, which the Philippine government considers a special nonworking day 

"For emergencies requiring assistance from the Embassy, please contact telephone numbers 202-368-2767 or 202-467-9300," the embassy said. HONG KONG The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong will be closed on January 1 and 2 for the New Year holidays.   "For emergency inquiries regarding consular services please call our hotline at 291554023," it said. THAILAND The Philippine Embassy in Thailand will be closed from December 30 to January 3, 2012, in observance of Philippine and Thai holidays.   In an announcement on its website, the embassy said Dec. 30 is Rizal Day, a Philippine holiday commemorating the death of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.   On the other hand, it said Jan. 2 and 3 are "in observance of public holidays declared by the Thai Government for the New Year."    Those who need to contact the embassy in case of emergency can reach it at telephone number 0899265954. - VVP, GMA News